Scientists have found a surprising connection between tinnitus, the ringing or buzzing sound some people hear in their ears and a body function everyone uses every day: sleep. This discovery could help doctors find new ways to treat tinnitus.
Tinnitus is often thought to be caused by ear problems, like hearing loss, loud noise, or aging. But recent research shows the brain plays a bigger role than previously thought.
Scientists at the University of Oxford discovered that deep sleep helps reduce the abnormal brain activity that causes tinnitus.
During deep sleep, a part of the brain that processes sound becomes less active. This quieting effect can lower the ringing in the ears. In lighter sleep or when awake, the abnormal activity continues, which may make tinnitus worse.
The researchers first studied animals exposed to loud noise. The animals developed brain activity similar to tinnitus, and their sleep was disturbed.
Later, studies with humans showed the same pattern: people with tinnitus have trouble suppressing the abnormal brain signals when awake or in light sleep, but during deep sleep, the activity drops.
This research shows a link between tinnitus and poor sleep. Tinnitus can make it hard to sleep, and lack of good sleep may make tinnitus stronger. Scientists call this “local wakefulness,” where some parts of the brain stay active while others rest.
For years, tinnitus treatment focused on the ears. Now, researchers say it may actually be a problem with brain rhythms. Deep sleep seems to be the body’s natural way to control it.
The scientists suggest that boosting deep sleep, naturally or with gentle brain stimulation, might help reset the brain and reduce tinnitus. Early care is important because supporting deep sleep soon after tinnitus starts could prevent the condition from becoming long-term.
This discovery gives hope to millions who suffer from constant ringing in their ears. Understanding the connection between tinnitus and sleep may lead to new treatments and better well-being.
