Tinnitus is a ringing in the ears due to underlying conditions such as hearing loss or injury to the ear. Difficulty sleeping is a common side-effect of tinnitus, but noise-reduction techniques, alternative remedies, a few dietary adjustments and simple meditations can help improve sleep quality and ease.
Relaxation and sleep aids
Step 1
Create a sleep environment in which soft noise -- such as the whir of a low fan, quiet music or ambient sound recordings -- cancels out the ringing from your tinnitus.
Step 2
Avoid substances that affect or upset sleep patterns, such as caffeine and alcohol, before bedtime.
Step 3
Try alternative treatments to improve symptoms of tinnitus and reduce sleep disturbance. The American Tinnitus Association recommends zinc or magnesium supplements, ginkgo biloba and B vitamins as possible tinnitus management aids.
Step 4
Exercise daily to encourage physical fatigue at bedtime, and meditate or practice deep breathing techniques before going to bed.
Tips and Warnings
- Some individuals have found relief from tinnitus through acupuncture, hypnosis and other forms of alternative medicine. Prescription sleep aids are also available. If the above strategies fail to improve sleep patterns or tinnitus symptoms, consult a physician and inquire about alternative treatments and prescription drugs.
- Alternative and herbal medicines are not regulated by the FDA and are not proven treatments for tinnitus. Always consult a physician before taking herbal supplements.
Things You'll Need
- Fan
- Soft music or ambient sound recordings
- Ginkgo biloba
- Zinc supplements
- Magnesium supplements
- B vitamins
