Tinnitus in the morning

Coping with morning tinnitus: tips and solutions

Why do my ears ring when I wake up?

Whistling, buzzing and ringing in the ear: tinnitus, albeit in its various facets, generally manifests itself constantly. However, many people feel it more markedly on the occasion of the morning awakening. In this case, we speak of tinnitus in the morning. Its causes would be attributable to the fact that the brain, even during sleep, remains active thanks to synapses that come into operation during the rest phase.

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Tinnitus, often described as a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears, can be more noticeable in the morning for several reasons:

  • Lack of Ambient Noise: During the night, the environment is typically quieter, which means there's less background noise to mask the tinnitus. This can make the ringing seem louder when you wake up.
  • Blood Circulation: Lying down for extended periods can affect blood circulation, especially to the head and ears, potentially intensifying tinnitus symptoms.
  • Sleep-Wake Cycle: As we transition from sleep to wakefulness, our auditory system becomes more alert, making us more aware of sounds we might not notice during the day.
  • Psychological State: Stress and anxiety can heighten sensitivity to tinnitus. Poor sleep quality and the anxiety of facing a new day can increase awareness of tinnitus in the morning.
  • Dehydration: After a long night's sleep, we often wake up dehydrated. Dehydration can thicken the fluid within the ears, possibly amplifying the perception of tinnitus.
  • Medication: Certain medications can enhance tinnitus' intrusive sounds. If you're taking such medication and notice your tinnitus more in the morning, it's worth discussing this with your healthcare professional.
  • Sleep Positions: The way you sleep can affect the awareness of tinnitus upon waking. Certain positions might make the ringing more noticeable.

Additional Causes for Ringing Ears in the Morning

There are additional factors that can contribute to tinnitus being worse in the morning:

  • Earwax Buildup: Accumulation of earwax can block the ear canal and cause or exacerbate tinnitus. This might be more noticeable in the morning when you first wake up.
  • Ear Infections: Infections in the ear can lead to increased tinnitus symptoms. If you wake up with ringing in one ear, it could be a sign of an ear infection.
  • Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women, can affect tinnitus. These changes can be more pronounced in the morning.
  • Diet and Nutrition: Certain dietary factors, such as high salt intake or caffeine consumption, can influence tinnitus. These effects might be more noticeable after a night's sleep.
  • Jaw and Neck Issues: Problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or neck muscles can contribute to tinnitus. These issues might be more apparent after lying down for several hours.
  • Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, can affect blood flow and oxygen levels, potentially worsening tinnitus symptoms.

It's important to consult with a healthcare professional to identify the specific causes of your tinnitus and explore appropriate treatment options

Taking some practical precautions can help relieve tinnitus, then contacting an ENT specialist for a check-up visit will allow us to identify the most appropriate therapy together.

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Tinnitus in the morning: how to stop it

Tinnitus, commonly known as ringing in the ears, is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can be especially bothersome in the morning, disrupting the start of your day and affecting your overall well-being. Understanding why tinnitus might be worse in the morning and discovering effective strategies to manage it can make a significant difference in improving your quality of life.

Tips to help you reduce the intensity of tinnitus

Sound enrichment and TRT

Tinnitus Retraining Therapy goal is to desensitize the perception of tinnitus by listening to sounds of various types, preferably related to the world of nature or white noise (noises composed of the sum of several tones). This therapy has also proved effective in treating tinnitus in the morning. In this regard, there are devices that promote relaxation through the emission of sounds chosen by the user and allow you to mask the perception of tinnitus.

A good night's sleep can reduce tinnitus

Sleeping well is essential to wake up in the morning relaxed, in a good mood and with a lower perception of tinnitus. In this regard, taking a relaxing herbal tea based on lemon balm, passion flower, chamomile or valerian can help you sleep. Performing relaxation exercises, taking a hot bath before bedtime or a good glass of warm milk are small practices that can guarantee a peaceful and quiet rest.

Be careful what you eat for dinner

Paying attention to your diet, especially food and drinks taken in the hours immediately preceding sleep, can prove to be of great help in relieving the perception of tinnitus upon awakening. It is preferable to avoid tea, coffee, alcoholic and cola-based drinks in the evening. On the other hand, foods that do not weigh down the evening digestion, such as vegetables, legumes and lean proteins, should be favored.

Manage stress to reduce morning tinnitus

  • Managing stress is crucial for reducing the intensity of tinnitus. Incorporate relaxation exercises, yoga, or meditation into your routine to help manage stress levels:
  • Relaxation Exercises: Techniques such as deep breathing and guided imagery can calm your mind and body, easing tension and promoting relaxation.
  • Yoga: Yoga combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to promote relaxation. Poses like Child's Pose and Corpse Pose are effective for stress relief.
  • Meditation: Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on the present moment without judgment. Techniques like breath focus and repeating a calming mantra can promote relaxation.

Integrating these stress management techniques can create a more relaxed environment, reducing tinnitus intensity and improving overall well-being.

Hearing Aids for Tinnitus in the Morning

Waking up with the persistent ringing of tinnitus can be a frustrating and distressing experience, especially when it disrupts your morning routine. However, hearing aids can offer an effective solution to manage tinnitus, particularly during those quiet early hours of the day.

Hearing aids work by amplifying external sounds, which helps to mask the internal noise caused by tinnitus. This amplification can make the ringing or buzzing less noticeable, allowing you to focus on external sounds instead. Modern hearing aids also come with built-in sound therapy features, providing soothing sounds or white noise that can further distract from the tinnitus.

FAQs on Tinnitus in the morning

Can sleeping position cause tinnitus?

Yes, certain sleeping positions can affect tinnitus. For instance, lying on one side may increase pressure on that ear, intensifying tinnitus symptoms. Sleeping on your back with a slightly elevated head can help reduce the pressure and alleviate the perception of tinnitus.

Why are my ears ringing after sleeping?

Ringing in the ears after sleeping can be attributed to the quiet environment, which makes tinnitus more noticeable. Additionally, changes in blood circulation and dehydration from a night's sleep can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms.

What sleeping position is best for tinnitus?

The best sleeping position for tinnitus is usually on your back with your head slightly elevated. This position can help reduce pressure on the ears and improve blood circulation, potentially alleviating tinnitus symptoms.

When to worry about tinnitus upon waking?

Consult a healthcare professional if your tinnitus is persistent upon waking, worsening, or accompanied by symptoms like dizziness, hearing loss, or ear pain. Early intervention can help manage symptoms and prevent complications.

Why can't I hear from one ear when I wake up?

Hearing loss in one ear upon waking can be due to earwax blockage, fluid buildup, or sleeping position affecting blood circulation. If it persists or is accompanied by pain, dizziness, or tinnitus, seek medical advice.

What should you not do if you have tinnitus?

If you have tinnitus, there are certain actions you should avoid to prevent worsening the condition:

Exposure to Loud Noises: Avoid loud environments and use ear protection in noisy settings to prevent further damage to your hearing.

Ignoring the Symptoms: Don't ignore persistent tinnitus. Seek medical advice to identify and address any underlying issues.

Using Cotton Swabs: Avoid using cotton swabs or other objects to clean your ears, as this can push earwax further in and cause damage.

High Salt and Caffeine Intake: Limit your consumption of salt and caffeine, as they can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms.

Stress and Anxiety: Try to manage stress and anxiety, as they can increase the perception of tinnitus. Practice relaxation techniques to stay calm.

Skipping Medical Appointments: Keep regular appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor and manage your tinnitus effectively.

Self-Medicating: Avoid taking medications or supplements without consulting a healthcare professional, as some substances can worsen tinnitus.

Why do I experience tinnitus and nausea in the morning?

Tinnitus and nausea in the morning can be caused by several factors, including changes in blood circulation, dehydration, and stress. Lying down for extended periods can affect blood flow to the head and ears, potentially intensifying tinnitus and causing nausea.

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