A White Noise Machine- Your Solution To Sleeping In Noisy Places
As an airline pilot, I have a responsibility to always arrive
at the plane well rested. That means being able to sleep well in
almost any hotel room. Few are quiet.
My secret to sleeping well in noisy places (which can be yours
also)- I never go on a trip without my white noise machine.
I spent $80 for mine about 12 years ago and have slept better
thousands of nights because of it. That's made it a pretty good
investment.
"What Is A White Noise Machine?"
It is a small electronic device that makes background "white
noise". It masks and covers other sounds that could potentially
disturb your sleep.
The concept of having one noise mask another so you can sleep
might be difficult to imagine.
I'm actually a very light sleeper and noises easily awaken me.
The white noise is a constant background noise that your brain
gets used to so it doesn't noticeably register. Your mind blocks
it out, so you can sleep without noticing it. The constant white
noise in the background covers or blocks other noises.
It's an interesting phenomenon that if someone is sleeping while
using a white noise machine and it is suddenly turned off, the
absence of the white noise can actually awaken them.
White noise machines are most effective when placed between you
and the noise source. If there is traffic or an airport out the
window, then put it between the window and you.
I always use mine when traveling, even if it seems like the
hotel is nice and quiet. You never can predict when other guests
will be loud in the hallways of adjacent rooms. If there is no
outside noise, I put mine between the door and my bed.
You might be worried that using a white noise machine will make
you miss your alarm of worse yet, a fire alarm. I've been in
many hotels when the fire alarms went off at night while I was
using my white noise machine at full volume. Don't worry; you
can still hear a fire alarm.
As an airline pilot, I often have to get up very early. I can't
afford to be late for work.
My white noise machine has never prevented me from hearing my
alarm or wake up call. Your mind still detects these.
White noise machines are also great for your home or for
creating privacy in your office.
My wife used to work as a Family Therapist. Their offices were
not soundproof, but privacy and confidentiality were extremely
important. They used white noise machines to create this privacy.
I have a friend who could not sleep through her husband's
snoring. It was becoming a stressful issue for them. They
learned about white noise machines and got one. It did the
trick. Now she can sleep and their marriage is much better
because of it.
We have an additional white noise sound machine at home. My
travel one is so important to me that I never unpack it or use
it at home. I would hate to leave it home and lose the sleep
protection it provides during my trips.
When you first get a white noise machine, you have to train
yourself to use it. That basically entails gradually increasing
its volume each night. It takes about a week to get used to
sleeping at the maximum volume. You'll be surprised how you
won't even notice it then.
Some white noise machines make "nature sounds" like frogs,
birds, or whales. You can even buy recordings of nature sounds
to play to help you fall asleep.
While listening to Shamu, the killer whale, may be relaxing for
some people, I don't think they make very effective white noise.
The problem is that nature sounds are irregular. To be most
effective, white noise should be steady and constant. Tatt's
what your brain is best at adjusting to and tuning out.
Irregular sounds, although nice to listen to just don't work as
well.
The other weakness of this type is that they often can't be
turned up loud enough to mask sleep disturbing sounds. I guess
that's because at greater volume Shamu, the killer whale, sounds
frightening rather than relaxing.
I'm familiar with several white noise machines. There is one
that I think is superior to the rest.
To learn which one it is and why, please visit:
http://www.pilot-pauls-travel-accessories.com/white-noise-machine
.html
Copyright 2005 by Ph.Developments USA, Inc. All rights reserved.