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There are a lot of things you can try to sleep better at night from drinking a nice cup of camomile tea before bed or not using electronic devices at least one hour before sleep. But, when all of that doesn’t work, you might want to think about investing in a sound machine.
What is a Sound Machine and How Does it Work?
Sound machines are small devices you usually plug in next to your bed and leave on your nightstand. They come preloaded with sounds including white noise, rain, ocean and more. It’s said that the pre-programmed music can drown out any outside noise (think traffic, conversation, etc.) which is one of the many culprits of restless nights. A 2016 study from the Journal of Caring Sciences even found that individuals who used a sound machine reported a better night’s sleep than those who didn’t.
If you’re thinking about purchasing a sound machine, you’ll want to think about what sounds are soothing to you and how long it takes you to fall asleep. Aside from having sounds you like, your sound machine should also last pretty long so you’re sure to be in a deep sleep before the sounds stop. Plus, you might want special features like a built-in clock or light.
Below we’ve picked some of the best sound machines out there to help you get a better night’s rest.