Noise Machines
A quiet environment is a key to good sleep. But quiet can be hard to achieve: traffic, sirens, barking dogs, and other noises can disrupt your sleep.
White noise machines block out these sounds to create a quiet, peaceful environment where you can get optimal rest.
See how your sleep quality stacks up.
Start here to get a baseline on how well you sleep and where you can improve.
Noise Machines and Sleep
White noise is more than just the sound of water or air. It’s a collection of sounds at the same wavelength. Noise machines create this sound to block out noise and establish a steady level of quiet in your room bedroom.
How Noise Machines Can Help with Sleep
White noise blocks out loud disruptions, helping to establish and maintain a quiet environment for sleeping.
Optimize Your Room for Sleep Hygiene
Sleep hygiene refers to your sleep routine and the physical state of your bedroom. Discover the simple steps you can take to improve your bedroom environment and boost both the quality and quantity of your sleep.
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How to Choose a Noise Machine
- Portability: Choose a portable machine for travel or bedside use, or a plug-in model for a specific room.
- Sound Options and Volume Control: Look for machines with multiple sound options and adjustable volume levels to personalize your experience.
- Additional Features: Consider features like auto-off timers, night lights, app control, or headphone jacks for added convenience.
Different Types of Noise Machines
- White Noise: Constant, static-like sound similar to a fan or running water.
- Nature Sounds: Ocean waves, calming rain, nature sounds and more.
- Fan-Based: Soothing airflow & natural white noise.
- Combo Machines: Mix & match sounds for your perfect blend.
Who Might Benefit from a Noise Machine
- Light Sleepers: If you’re easily disturbed by ambient noises.
- Insomnia Sufferers: To calm your mind & drift off.
- Shift Workers: To help drown out daytime sounds and create a sleep-conducive atmosphere.
- Snoring Partners: To mask the sounds of snores.
Who Would Not Benefit from a Noise Machine
- Individuals with misophonia or sound sensitivity.
- Those with hearing disorders.
- People with tinnitus.
- Infants and young children: While some infants and children may find white noise soothing, it's important to use it cautiously. Excessive sound levels or prolonged exposure could potentially affect hearing development.
- Individuals with sleep apnea or other sleep disorders.
- Those with central sleep disorders.
Relevant Research - Noise Machines
Noise machines, producing sounds like white noise, have been studied for their effectiveness in improving sleep quality. A systematic review discussed studies that found positive effects of auditory stimulation, including white noise, on sleep outcomes, indicating the potential benefits of noise machines. However, the review also noted that the evidence was not strong enough to fully support the efficacy of auditory stimulation during sleep (Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine). Another study focused on white noise found that it could mask disruptive noises in the bedroom, acting as a non-pharmacological approach to promote sleep. Yet, the systematic review conducted on this topic did not strongly support the efficacy of white noise in promoting better sleep (Sleep Medicine Reviews). Additionally, a study in a hospital setting suggested that a white noise machine improved patient sleep satisfaction on a telemetry-monitored unit, demonstrating its potential in creating a conducive sleep environment (SAGE Journals).
These findings suggest that noise machines, particularly those generating white noise, can be effective in creating a steady, soothing sound environment that promotes relaxation and improves sleep quality. However, the extent of their efficacy and the strength of evidence supporting their use vary, indicating that while noise machines can be beneficial for some individuals, they may not be universally effective for all sleep disturbances.
