Noise Machines to Help You Sleep
Getting enough sleep is one the most important elements of a healthy lifestyle. If you have trouble sleeping because of distracting noises, you might be able to benefit from using a noise machine. Many people claim to sleep better during thunderstorms or when a fan is running in their bedroom. Noise machines work for the same reason, by blocking or masking other noises, but they're more technologically advanced.
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Benefits
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Some individuals are very sensitive to sound when they're trying to sleep. Traffic, roommates and the typical sounds of a neighborhood can wake you up or keep you from falling asleep in the first place. A noise machine can allow you to rest by changing the way your brain hears these noises, so they become part of a more soothing sound. Noise machines are also helpful for babies and children who wake up at slight noises.
Function
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The sound that noise machines produce is often referred to as white noise. In the color spectrum, white contains the frequencies of all other colors. Similarly, white noise is able to mask other sounds because it contains their sound frequencies. It works as a barrier against distracting noises by absorbing them. To your ears, they become a part of the white noise that the machine makes.
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Types
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The quality of a noise machine is usually directly related to related to its price. More expensive models tend to be more effective and have more features. Some of them undergo clinical trials to make sure they actually help people sleep. Inexpensive noise machines are not as technologically advanced, but they can still be helpful if you're on a budget. There are also travel-size noise machines. These are convenient to take along on business trips and vacations.
Features
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Inexpensive noise machines only allow you to change the volume level of the sound they produce. Others provide a variety of features that you can adjust to your liking. They might have rain forest, thunderstorm, ocean, and other sounds to choose from, as well as the ability to download more. Optional settings include timers, sound speed, and sound level. There are also models that include radios and alarm clocks.
Considerations
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If a noise machine doesn't help you achieve the sleep that you need, there are many other types of sleep aids and remedies available. Investigate the cause of your restlessness to find out what will work best for your situation. Sleep masks and blackout curtains can block distracting lights. Journaling at night often helps reduce insomnia that's caused by anxiety and stress. Consult a doctor to have a sleep study done or get medication if you think there may be a medical cause.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Wikimedia Commons
