We all know that kind of person who can sleep through a hurricane, screaming baby or nuclear bomb. Heck, you might even sleep next to someone like that. But, not all of us can be so lucky. In fact, for some of us, even the slightest noise can wake us from an otherwise deep slumber. If you're among those sensitive to sound, the concept of adding noise — like white noise — to your sleep routine might seem counterintuitive or even absurd.
Let's explore what white noise is. You'll see why it can be beneficial, and how incorporating it into your nightly routine might help you achieve better sleep. Making sure you have a stellar custom mattress is just one part of a greater solution to create a serene sleep environment. White noise works by masking disruptive sounds with a consistent, soothing background noise, helping to create a more stable and peaceful sleep environment. By understanding and utilizing white noise, you may find that a restful night’s sleep is within reach. It's a solution that's great even if you’re easily awakened by every little sound.
What is White Noise, Anyway?
White noise might sound like this abstract concept, and well, it kind of is. White noise is a mix of different frequencies played in sync with the same amplitude. Inherently, this broad spectrum of frequencies masks background sounds. Think of the constant humming sound your fan makes when it’s blowing air — it’s like that. A white noise machine then generates its own sound signal that plays in a repeating loop to create a sort of sound-mask that distracts you from other noise, like the sound of your neighbors rolling out the trash cans or your dog barking late at night.
How can white noise help you sleep better? As psychiatrist David Neubauer of Johns Hopkins Hospital Sleep Disorders Center explains, “When it’s completely quiet, people with insomnia or other sleep difficulties focus more closely on small noises, which can interfere with their getting to sleep." White noise then helps blend those distracting external sounds that would normally keep you awake into the background — almost creating a ‘sound cocoon,’ as Dr. Neubauer calls it.
Helpful White Noise Machines for Your Bedroom
If you're easily awakened by the slightest noise at night, a white noise machine could be the key to getting a better night's sleep. These devices help create a consistent background noise that masks disruptive sounds, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
There are several types of white noise machines to choose from, each offering unique features and benefits. From basic parts of your bedroom that produce simple noise to advanced devices that offer a variety of soundscapes and customization options, there's a solution for every preference. By incorporating a white noise machine into your sleep routine, you can create a more peaceful sleep environment. On a comfy bespoke bed, noise can help you achieve the restful night’s sleep you’ve been longing for.
1. A regular fan can help you sleep.
One of the oldest white noise ‘tricks’ in the book is a regular old house fan. The constant hum created by a fan is a great, steady distraction and mask to the other noises that creek and scare in the middle of the night. If this works for you, that’s great, because we’ll bet you’ve got a fan lying around somewhere in your house already. But some of us are more neurotic than others, and sometimes, especially with older fans, you can suss out a pattern in the sound of the fan, which kind of defeats the purpose of white noise. No worries; you’ve got other options.
2. White noise apps are free on your phone.
Are we ever without our phones anymore? Not really. And developers know that. There are a bunch of apps, as well as podcasts on Spotify and Amazon, that are 8-hour tracks of pure white or color noise. These digital solutions make it easy to incorporate white noise into your nightly routine. You probably charge your phone right by your bed anyway, so you don't need to buy anything.
Whether you prefer the simplicity of a dedicated white noise app or the convenience of streaming a noise track from your favorite podcast platform, you can find an option that suits your needs. By using your phone, you can create a serene sleep environment, helping you drift off and stay asleep throughout the night.
3. White noise machines can be found for cheap.
Because it consists of a wide range of frequencies, white noise itself can actually sound harsh to our ears. For this reason, white noise itself might not be relaxing for everyone. Today on the market you can find different white noise machines that produce this static, looping sound that blocks out other noise. Really good machines will also offer ‘pink’ and ‘brown’ noise which are similar to white noise, but not as harsh, as they’re comprised of different sets of frequencies.
4. A regular sound machine can also help.
The same concept of white noise can be applied to the effectiveness of sound machines, as they also can be used to block out or cover up other distracting sounds. There are hundreds of different sound machines (and apps) to choose from — from the sound of crashing waves to rain, babbling brooks and rustling leaves. Not only can these sounds calm you down and help ease you to sleep, but they can be used throughout the night to mask street noise or anything else that might prevent you from catching zzz’s.
White noise isn’t the only thing you need for a relaxing sleep environment.
Once you've managed to drown out your partner’s snoring and the noise of the bustling city with white noise you have to worry about the rest of the room. Relaxation through sound alone isn’t always enough if your mattress or sheets aren't up to snuff. For individuals dealing with insomnia, anxiety, or depression, brain chemistry can make it challenging to stay asleep.
For these people, every element of the sleep environment needs to be just right. This means investing in high-quality bedding, such as silk pillowcases and organic cotton sheets. Your mattress also needs to provide great support, and this might mean going custom. Blackout curtains are essential for blocking out light and maintaining the perfect room temperature with a bit of thermostat control.
Failing to address even one aspect of your sleep setup can lead to shallow, interrupted sleep. It can make your day feel just as challenging as trying to work at night. For troubled sleepers, creating a harmonious sleep environment is key to achieving restful, uninterrupted sleep.
Custom beds help you make the most out of your 8 hours.
Custom memory foam mattresses are good for people who toss and turn, or people who are woken up by the slightest movements of their pets or partner(s). Memory foam absorbs movement, so your sleep buddy can thrash around on the other side of the bed without waking you up constantly.
For beds on boats or in beach houses, choosing to customize your mattress with natural latex construction instead gives you the long-term water, mold and mildew resistance you need to be sure your bed stays a healthy place even in a wet environment.
The other thing about having a bed custom made for your unique needs is the ergonomics of the comfort. Uncomfortable mattresses will have you waking up all the time with a tingly hand, a stiff back or a kinked neck. Bespoke mattresses don’t do that. They’re designed by you and made for you, so they should be exactly what you need in terms or comfort and support.
Another big factor is your bedding. And just like a custom mattress is better than a box one, custom bedding is superior to what you find in stores. Everyone sleeps at different temperatures, and everyone also has different preferences for the weight and material of their blankets. High thread-count cotton sheets custom made for your bed are your best bet at a cool and comfortable sleep.
If you get that white noise machine and you’re still not sleeping well, it’s probably time to think about upgrading your mattress. Custom Mattress Factory creates one-of-a-kind, handmade mattresses that can be customized to any construction, size and shape; and we’ve got you covered on those custom-made, high thread count, organic cotton bed linens, too.
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