"Don't Do This at Night"...Unexpected Habits That Can Trigger Dementia

Earphones for Sleep Can Burden the Brain by Causing Hearing Loss
Expert Warns: “Small Habits Accumulate and Impact Brain Health”

Experts have issued a warning that the habit of wearing earphones or headphones before sleep to listen to music or white noise could have a negative impact on brain health in the long term. They point out that this practice can lead to hearing loss, reduced sleep quality, and even an increased risk of infection.

On December 20, the UK’s Daily Mail reported that Dr. Bing, a neurologist and epidemiology researcher, shared three habits he avoids for brain health through his social media account. He emphasized, “Seemingly minor actions in daily life can accumulate and place a long-term burden on brain function.”

The first habit Dr. Bing identified is falling asleep while wearing earphones or headphones. He explained that it is difficult to control the volume during sleep, and loud noises can damage the hair cells in the inner ear. Once these hair cells are damaged, recovery is nearly impossible, greatly increasing the risk of hearing loss.

Hearing loss is also associated with an increased risk of dementia. According to a research team at Johns Hopkins University in the United States, which tracked 639 adults over approximately 12 years, those with mild hearing loss had about twice the risk of developing dementia compared to those with normal hearing. For those with moderate hearing loss, the risk increased up to threefold.

Hygiene is another issue that cannot be overlooked. Wearing earphones overnight traps moisture and heat in the ear canal, making it easier for bacteria to grow. Repeated pressure and friction can also cause skin irritation or inflammation. Although rare, there have been cases where restricted blood flow led to tissue damage. In addition, continuous noise during sleep can disrupt the function of the glymphatic system, which removes waste products from the brain, thereby interfering with deep sleep.

Secondly, Dr. Bing pointed out poor oral hygiene as another habit to avoid. He stressed that thorough oral care, including both flossing and brushing, is closely related to brain health. According to a study published in 2025, people with severe gum disease or cavities tended to have up to twice the risk of stroke. Several studies have also reported a link between chronic oral inflammation, cognitive decline, and dementia.

Finally, he cautioned against the habit of sitting on the toilet for extended periods. In particular, sitting for more than five minutes while using a smartphone or straining excessively can cause blood to pool in the legs, leading to a sudden drop in blood pressure. If blood flow to the brain decreases as a result, there is a risk of dizziness or even fainting. Dr. Bing explained, “I regularly encounter such cases in clinical practice,” and advised that unless there is a specific medical condition, people should avoid spending long periods on the toilet.

Dr. Bing stated, “While these habits may not directly cause disease, repeated exposure can place a burden on the brain and nervous system. Simply checking and adjusting small daily habits can help protect long-term brain health.”