How to Sleep Through Fireworks

Fireworks are great fun, whether for Bonfire Night or a celebration with friends and family. But they’re not so fun when you’re trying to sleep or if your little ones are woken up by the loud bangs just after you’ve put them to bed. To help, we have some tips to ensure you and your family get a peaceful night’s sleep during fireworks.

Earplugs are an effective way to block out noise, especially if you’re a light sleeper. Soft earplugs and noise-cancelling headphones can be very comfortable to wear while sleeping, as long as you make sure to get the right size and material for you. You can even find earplugs and eye masks that connect to Bluetooth and play music while you’re snoozing.

You can effectively drown out the noise of fireworks by using a white noise machine, a fan, or even soothing background sounds, such as music. White noise works wonders by creating a calming environment that can help mask the sharp, jarring sounds of fireworks. It creates a consistent auditory backdrop that your brain can latch onto, making relaxing and falling asleep easier.

Read more: How to Sleep Better With White, Pink, And Brown Noise

During fireworks, it might seem like a no-brainer to shut windows and doors to drown out the noise, especially during Bonfire Night. Curtains and blinds are important to your sleep, and investing in either heavy or blackout curtains is a good idea. They not only muffle the sound but also block out any flashes of light, making it easier to sleep.

If you struggle to fall asleep in silence, use headphones to listen to soothing sounds like the ocean, rain, woodland, or even classical music. When trying to doze off, it’s best to listen to something that doesn’t require too much attention or thought. Try listening to a podcast, it can be the perfect background noise to drown out something noisy like fireworks.

According to our 2024 Sleep Survey, 31% of the nation struggles to sleep because of stress. To help you relax before bed, try deep breathing, meditation or yoga. Meditation for sleep can reduce your blood pressure, improve your heart rate and decrease muscle tension to aid sleep, even through fireworks. Whether before they go off, during or right after, try relaxation techniques for slumber or try bedtime yoga to help calm you down.

If you suffer from stress, anxiety, or PTSD and have restless nights, you’re not alone. This can be especially true if fireworks and loud noises disrupt you or are a trigger for you. CBD can help calm your nervous system and reduce hypervigilance, anxiety, and stress. You can find CBD drops, gummies, tablets, or even balms now that can aid relaxation before bed.

Whether it’s a workout at the gym, a refreshing run through the park, or a brisk walk around your town, incorporating exercise into your daily routine can significantly tire your body out and promote better sleep at night – especially during fireworks. Physical activity not only helps release endorphins, which boost your mood, but it also reduces stress and anxiety levels. When your body is more physically active during the day, it naturally craves rest in the evening.

Getting your youngsters to sleep during fireworks can be difficult. You want to get them to sleep before the loud bangs start and ensure they stay asleep throughout. To help, here are some quick tips for getting children and babies to sleep through fireworks:

• Use a white noise machine or play soothing sounds and sleep-friendly music.
• Keep the room dark and comfortable.
• Stick to their usual bedtime routine.
• Tell a bedtime story.
• Provide comfort items such as a blanket or stuffed toy.
• Stay with them if needed to help them feel at ease.
• Talk to them about fireworks and reassure them that they are safe.

If your little ones wake up during the fireworks, don’t worry. Comforting them and allowing them to resettle can help them drift back off to sleep. If you’re taking your child to watch the fireworks, try to stick to their usual routine and bedtime when you get home to help them rest, especially if the noise is still going on outside. For more inspiration, check out our post on how to help your child sleep better.

Bonfire Nights in November and other loud celebrations can be fun and enjoyable, but sleeping through them can be challenging for anyone. By creating the right environment and sticking to a routine – or even finding the best bedtime using our Sleep Calculator – you can make sleeping during celebrations much easier.

The best tip for sleeping during fireworks is to prepare in advance, whether for yourself, a child, or a pet. Start creating a calming environment before the celebrations begin to ease the transition for a restful snooze without interruptions.