Choose your own sounds to block out the noise of the night. Some of the most popular sleep aids are sound machines. They create a constant background noise that can drown out intrusive loud noises that make sleep difficult. If... The post Are There Alternatives to White Noise Machines? appeared first on Sharp Eye.
Choose your own sounds to block out the noise of the night.
Some of the most popular sleep aids are sound machines. They create a constant background noise that can drown out intrusive loud noises that make sleep difficult. If you are in the market for a good one, look for one that is easy to use and has good sound choices. Several recent surveys of white noise machines agree that the number one pick is the LectroFan Evo White Noise Sound Machine, pictured below.
This is an electric sound machine that offers customization without being overly complicated. It has good audio quality and holds its own against distracting loud noises. The LectroFan is small enough to travel. It must be plugged in or you can use a USB port or an AC outlet. It comes with an adapter. It measures 4.7” x 4.7” x 3.3”, is lightweight, and also comes in black. $59.95.
There are now other options to having a white noise machine on your bedside table.
Ear plugs
The first stop to finding a good noise reducer might be a good pair of ear plugs.
Wirecutter surveyed 25 brands of earplugs for noise reduction success and chose Mack’s Slim Fit as the best for most people. They fit a wide variety of ears and were ‘notably effective’ in reducing overall noise to include snoring, traffic etc.
These Slim Fit soft foam earplugs come with a travel case. $6.99 for 7 pairs and case.
Meditative Music
Music can distract people from anxious thoughts. It can also distract from an annoying noise. A 2012 study showed that people with insomnia who listened to music before going to sleep had less Stage 2 (light) sleep and more REM sleep, the part of sleep associated with mood regulation and problem solving. In Apple Music, Google Play Music, Pandora or Spotify, search for ‘sleep music’. You can also create your own playlist with relaxing melodies. Set the timer to turn off within 30 minutes. Apple users’ clock has an app timer. Android users should try the ‘sleep timer’ on Google Play Music.
Sleep earbuds and headphones
These can help light sleepers who want to block out sounds with a four-point noise masking system. They have twin-seal ear tips and smart volume control. These are small wireless earbuds that produce great sound and block noise. They can also play customizable, preloaded sounds or stream audio from your Bluetooth device. Wirecutter tested many sleep earbuds and these were their pick.
Soundcore Sleep A20 by Anker Sleep Earbuds $179.99.
Ozlo Sleepbuds offers 10 different choices of white noise, with plans for many more. They can stream audio from your phone, they are great to travel with and if you’re playing music they can detect when you fall asleep from breathing, movement, and more – and switch to your chosen sound. You can rent them for $23.00 a month to try them out. They come with four different size silicone tips. They are comfortable and tiny, and packed with an amazing amount of technology – biometric sensing, Bluetooth streaming, and 10 hours of battery life. $349.00
Sleep headphones
For restless sleepers who don’t like wearing earplugs or earbuds, these AcousticSheep SleepPhones Wireless are highly recommended. These headband-style sleep phones come in different sizes and fabrics. You can stream any audio to it wirelessly via Bluetooth. The speakers are comfortable to lie on and they produce good sound. The battery life is 24 hours, and the headband is easy to wash. $99.75.
Sleep masks and room darkening curtains
This sleep mask gets high marks. It is lightweight, contoured and fits comfortably. It is good for many face shapes and has deep eye cups. It stays in place best for side sleepers. It comes in 5 colors. $18.99.
Another popular sleep mask is this Alaska Bear Sleep Mask. It is silk on both sides, contoured across the eyeballs and has an adjustable strap. It is machine washable. $9.99.
For people very sensitive to light, a sleep mask plus room darkening curtains would be a good strategy. Many shade shops sell custom blackout shades, or one can put darkening liners into bedroom curtains. For a budget option, Ikea sells its Rosenmandel black-out curtains. They fully block sunlight. They come in four colors. $24.99.
See our earlier article on sound machines.
The post Are There Alternatives to White Noise Machines? appeared first on Sharp Eye.
