White Noise Machine

A White Noise Machine: Your Solution To Sleeping In Noisy Places
By Paul M.

As an airline pilot, I have a respnsibility 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.