Tinnitus is a medical condition where the patient hears ringing and buzzing sounds. The condition includes a broad spectrum of problems that leave these sounds behind in the ears. Tinnitus affects you when you are awake and when you are asleep.
For some, the ringing in the ears causes anxiety, resulting in loss of sleep. However, once you make specific changes to your everyday life and environment, sleeping with tinnitus can be easier.
There are also some foods, drinks (tea, coffee, cola), and drugs (aspirin and salt) that may worsen its symptoms. So, it would help if you knew about the things that affect your symptoms.
Here are the things to avoid when dealing with tinnitus.
1. Smoking
If you do smoke, it may be time to consider quitting, as smoking can worsen tinnitus. Tobacco functions as a stimulant in your body and ruins blood flow to the sensitive nerve cells which control hearing. Smoking can make the ringing inside your ears sound louder.
Smoking can also hinder the transmissions that your neurotransmitters (located in the auditory nerve) to the brain. When these signals are either slow or miscommunicated to the brain, it can cause tinnitus symptoms.
2. Quiet Sleeping Environment and Loud Noise
If you sleep in a quiet ambiance, tinnitus can cause more disturbance. So, add a subtle sound. Some of the tricks you can try to distract yourself from the ringing inside your ears are – playing soft music inside the room, listening to the radio, and turning on a fan.
You can also use a white-noise machine to create sounds of rainfall, streams, or waves. In addition, make sure to always use earmuffs, earplugs, etc., while using snow blowers and power tools that can be too loud.
3. Stress
Once you develop tinnitus, you tend to feel stressed or annoyed most of the time, especially when the condition intensifies. Stress and worries worsen the symptoms.
Take out time from your busy schedule every day to relax. There is no one perfect way to relax. It differs from person to person. So, keep on trying different tactics until you figure out what works the best for you. Try at least 15 minutes of deep relaxation to get rid of stress and boost your mood.
Some of the relaxation methods you can try are – meditation, yoga, tai-chi, guided imagery, and self-hypnosis.
4. Poor Sleeping Habits
Sleeping with tinnitus can be very difficult, depending on the severity of the issue. However, it can be even harder on you if you do not make sure you get enough sleep.
Make sure to sleep for 7-9 hours every night. Follow a proper bedtime routine like taking a warm bath just before going to bed. Use a comfortable bed and pillows to ensure there are no reasons for you to get up earlier than you intend to.
5. Exercise
Exercise boosts your mood and sleep, reduces stress, and helps you fight depression. If you do not know where or how to start exercising, you can always consult a fitness expert or doctor for guidance.
Start walking in the mornings. Join a support group to talk with people with the same issues and learn new approaches to cope.
Dealing with tinnitus is not difficult. You just need to follow a strict regimen of exercise, diet and ensure you get sufficient sleep every night.