Sleep Sound Machines

Agree, when you hear annoying sounds: the creak of floorboards from neighbors above or the not-so-loud but persistent sound of a drill through the floor, you just want to get rid of them as soon as possible… Neither can you relax after work nor peacefully think about the future – your thoughts seem to trip over each other. If only these sounds could be lowered or hidden. Well, no problem!

Perception of irritants, as well as the state of the nervous system, is different for everyone. For some, the sound of a running refrigerator, the distant hum of cars outside the window, or even the barely audible TV from the neighbor's wall feels like torture. Others don’t notice them at all and live carefree. But at night, we all want to sleep or at least fall asleep without external noise. What to do? Use white noise – a tried and tested remedy.

White Noise and Its Team

White noise is a special type of sound signal that helps natural falling asleep and reduces the risk of unwanted awakenings. When you add it to the surrounding environment, the principle of sound masking comes into play – background sounds become "masked" in the broad frequency spectrum of white noise.

From a technical perspective, white noise can be described as noise whose amplitude is constant across the entire range of audible frequencies. Examples of white noise in life include the sound of leaves rustling, rain, sparrows chirping, or the general chatter of birds, the noise of a stream or a fire, the hum of the subway, or the sound of an air conditioner. Some prefer to listen to these types of sounds when trying to fall asleep, while others prefer the pure tone of white noise.

Research, though not related to sleep, showed that white noise proved useful for improving concentration and cognitive abilities in patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Some pediatricians even recommend using white noise sounds to calm babies and help them sleep (in moderation!).

By the way, if white noise feels uncomfortable, try other types, such as pink noise. The sound of a helicopter flying nearby or the distant noise of a waterfall is an example. This type of noise has a good therapeutic effect when treating neuroses and depression. It's also beneficial for those who suffer from tinnitus – a hearing disorder that causes constant ringing or buzzing in the ears.

Gray noise refers to a sound signal that has the same subjective loudness for the human ear across all perceived frequencies. Its spectrum is obtained by combining brown and violet noises. People perceive gray noise just like white noise.

Brown noise, or as it's also called, Brownian noise, is considered more subdued compared to white or pink noise. It sounds "warmer" than white noise.

Peacefully Sleep Through the Night

Nowadays, there are plenty of smartphone apps and special generator websites on the Internet offering pure white noise or the ability to mix it with other sounds (such as the buzzing of a fan).

However, in this case, it is unlikely that you will experience the desired effect – the quality of the smartphone or laptop speaker often cannot provide good sound reproduction. Expensive headphones or a good sound system may help, but it's better to use sound machines, also known as sound conditioners. Stand-alone generators that produce pleasant sounds are especially popular with those who prefer ease of use. Press a button, and it works – it makes noise, and it pleases you.

Features of White Noise Sound Conditioners/Generators (each model has unique functions and features):

• They can play sounds of thunder, ocean waves, wind, rain, summer night, stream, and more.
• Depending on the model, they offer white, pink, brown, or gray noise modes (separately or in combination).
• Volume control and tone adjustment.
• Can play continuously without stopping or with an automatic shut-off timer (15, 30, or 60 minutes).
• Memory function: when turned on, the device automatically adjusts to your last set tone, sound track, and timer.
• Playback principle – digital or via a built-in fan.
• Light, compact, and portable. Some models can be used not only at home but also during walks or while traveling.
• Power supply: from AC, USB, or batteries.
• Suitable for home, office, dormitory, children's room, or nursery.
• Some models are equipped with a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Turn on the sound conditioner, choose the sound of the wind or classic white noise, and start counting sheep: first, second, third... While you're counting, the monotonous and pleasant sound gradually carries you off into the sweet kingdom of sleep, soothing, soothing, soothing... Sweet dreams...