5 Best White Noise Machines For A Relaxing Sleep
A white noise machine can dramatically improve your life; your sleeping life and therefore your waking life, the two being inextricably connected. Not only can it help with sleep, it can also improve concentration in waking hours, relieve some of the symptoms of tinnitus, and help you relax more fruitfully, helping you unwind from the day. They are also great at helping young children and babies drift off to sleep, which can be a life-saver for weary, worn-out parents.
It actually isn't quite so original, after all. In the old days, ambient noise could be generated simply by tuning your TV to channel zero, or twiddle your radio dial to a place between stations. The resultant static creates a background sound that can be easy to sleep to, or productive to work to. White noise machines work on that same basic principle; they don't destroy other sounds but renders them less jagged and jarring on the brain. It masks rather than obliterates, minimizes rather than destroys.
The best white noise machines will not simply generate endless static. No, they will actively emit a constant, subtle noise with equal volume from every frequency that is able to be heard by the human ear. A bit like what a baby might hear in the womb, or a mom during an ultrasound, a constant yet comforting sound is the result, to which are brains are hardwired to find soothing, as opposed to harsh or sudden sounds which are naturally upsetting or shocking.
There are other settings on the best white noise machines, these days. 'Pink' or 'brown' noise is also possible, which are essentially similar to white noise but offer fewer frequencies so have a different feel to the ear; pink noise centers at a higher pitch, whereas brown noise centres at a lower pitch. White noise machines will also offer other soothing sounds, from nature and even distant human voices or the gliding of fabrics over a variety of surfaces.
The Best White Noise Machine
1. Adaptive Sound Technologies White Noise Machine - Best Choice
HIGHLIGHTS:
An American company
30 rich sound options
Adaptive Sound – responds instantly
3.5mm headphone jack
Optional sleep timer
Front panel lighting automatically dims
1.
Adaptive Sound Technologies White Noise Machine - Best Choice
This innovative, sleep-inducing product is engineered to block out sharp or irritating noises with calming, background sounds. Sound+Sleep stands out from many competitors because it rests on the research of 100s of sounds captured from nature by a team of auditory experts; these raw sounds have been fine-tuned and rendered soothing via the means of a high fidelity speaker. Unlike certain programs which effectively loop the same few sounds repeatedly, Sound+Sleep has at its command a plethora of original, bespoke sounds from nature which are highly effective and unfold over many hours. This Adaptive Sound technology actually morphs throughout the night, continually adjusting itself in accordance with the noise occurring in your environment; especially useful if you happen to live in a more built-up, urban setting.
There is also the possibility of putting it on a timer, so that it turns itself off after you've fallen asleep; choose from 120, 90, 60 to 30 minutes, because only you know how hard it is for you to fall asleep. It will even work in conjunction with your own personal earbuds, speaker pillow, headphones or portable speaker, thanks to its 3.5 mm audio output. There are 10 particular sound profiles from which to choose; each one contains degrees of quality and detail, thus making 30 specific sound profiles overall. These are not just 'white noise' programs but actual recordings from nature, lasting 30 minutes each, in which there is no repetition and artificial tinkering. The front panel lighting tactfully dulls over time, in order not to distract you or keep you awake. This is an American company; with that, you get all the benefits of great customer service, high quality of production and a sense of helping the national economy.
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2. Marpac Dohm-DS White Noise Machine - Premium Pick
HIGHLIGHTS:
Includes Lightweight Sleeping Mask
Two speeds - dual speed motor
Unique asymmetrical fan
Marpac Signature Sound
Voltage rating = 120 VAC, 60 Hz - For use in North America Only
2.
Marpac Dohm-DS White Noise Machine - Premium Pick
This impressive white noise machine will help you to get a great night's sleep, and comes with a state of the art sleeping mask. It conceals irritating sounds by creating a calmness which enables you to focus, chill out and sleep soundly. Thus, it is not merely for those who wish to sleep but for those who wish to get things done in a focus or concentrated way, or indeed for those who live in a busy, urban environment in which noise pollution is a real issue. The original version of this machine goes back to 1962, so this model is a 4th generation product.
This Dohm classic DS works by emitting 'white noise' mechanically, DS meaning Dual speed, so there are two speeds available. It emits a soothing background ambience, which filters out sharp, grating sounds but also renders complete silence less hostile, for those who do not like it. It can help a baby or young toddler get to sleep, so could be used in a day care center. Alternatively, it could be used in a college dorm, in order to help a student maximize his/her potential when it comes to hitting the books. It is made from resilient, heavy-duty plastic, so people who travel a lot can easily take it with them in their suitcase. Being made in the US, you can have the assurance that it is UL listed and has a reliable 1-year warranty. It is to be used only in the US, in the first instance, with a Voltage rating of 120 VAC, 60 Hz.
Ambient noise is masked in part due to the original design of its asymmetrical fan, which is accompanied by acoustic housing; together this combines to produce a pleasing and relaxing sound of rushing air, otherwise known as the Marpac Signature Sound. Crucially, it does not require actual moving air but simply engineers it. A high quality, customized sound is the result, and the volume and tone can be altered to produce a personalized sound experience which suits you personally.
With regard to the luxurious Zonoz Sleepy Eyez Lightweight Sleeping Mask which is included in your purchase, it is ideal for those who travel, on business or pleasure. It is lightweight, black, and designed in a two-strip design which is long-lasting. In any space which is not completely dark, it helps to create that experience. This is especially helpful in any environment which contains low-level light pollution, or even natural ambient light due to the particular time zone or geographical location, in which your natural calming and sleeping routine can be disrupted.
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3. Adaptive Sound Technologies White Noise Sound Machine
HIGHLIGHTS:
Designed in the USA
Provides ten fan sounds and ten ambient noise variations
Includes white, pink and brown noise
Minimizes disruptive environmental noises
Powered by AC or USB
No moving parts.
Precise volume control
1,000 day satisfaction guarantee
This sleek looking, electronic 'white noise' sound machine contains no motor or other moving parts, simply allowing you to access a wide plethora of sound options which are emitted digitally, through a high fidelity speaker. White noise sounds are perfect for getting you off to sleep; they are also well able to help you relax, study, focus due to the filtering out of annoying and disruptive background noise pollution. The wide range of 20 specifically engineered digital sounds is made up of 10 variations of just white noise, 10 distinct electric fan sounds.
The ultra sensitive volume control can go from a sound as low as a whisper to a sound much louder than an old-school mechanical fan. You can benefit from white noise, but also from pink and brown noise, which have their own unique frequencies and advantages, in terms of good quality sleep. LectroFan can also help you to focus on your day job more effectively; if you work in an office it can even help filter out background conversations happening the other side of the office. As for childcare, this device is very useful in helping a toddler or baby to drift off into sleep.
Designed in the US, you can be confident in this product, and have 100% confidence that its 1,000 day satisfaction guarantee will be honored. Its safe and sturdy design can be powered via USB or AC; the product works by producing original, non-repeating sounds which smooth away those irritating and distracting sounds like traffic, shouting and banging door, thus allowing you both to sleep well and work well.
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4. Homedics White Noise Sound Machine - Best Value
HIGHLIGHTS:
6 digitally recorded relaxing Sounds
Compact & Portable For Travel
Helps Your Baby Sleep
Auto Off Timer
30 day money back Guarantee
4.
Homedics White Noise Sound Machine - Best Value
Homedics has been going since 1987, and with its range of products, sees its White Noise Sound Machine as an excellent addition to its wide range of products. It offers you 6 different natural sounds, ie. not just white noise but summer night, brook, ocean, rain and thunder. Its adjustable volume control allows you to focus effectively on a task, relax or fall asleep with ease, as irksome background noises are deftly filtered out. These specially crafted sounds actually imitate and replicate the ambient sounds of the natural environment in order to immerse the listener in a peaceful realm of tranquillity.
The small size of this device is highly convenient; it fits neatly into a suitcase, travel bag, or even a purse! If you have a baby or young toddler, its sounds actually mimic the rhythmic nature noises in order to soothe your child to sleep. Its in-built auto off timer means you can have nature sounds playing continuously, or set them to run for 15, 30 or 60 minutes, using its helpful timer function Included in your purchase is an adapter, although the 4 'AA' batteries which can power it must be supplied by you. You can, if you choose, leave this machine on throughout the night, in order to ensure a perfect night's sleep. There is a 30-day money back guarantee
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5. Big Red Rooster 6 Sound White Noise Machine - Budget Pick
HIGHLIGHTS:
6 soothing sleep sounds
Reduces background noise
Optional auto-off timer
Plug in or battery operated
For travel, vacations or business trips
5.
Big Red Rooster 6 Sound White Noise Machine - Budget Pick
This fantastic product boasts a plethora of sleep-inducing and mind-soothing sounds, which can conceal irritating urban background noise pollution, and help you work, rest and sleep more effectively than ever before. It is as useful to an adult seeking to maximize productivity in an office as it is to baby drifting off to sleep in a bedroom. It could be left on continuously, but also has a timer function which permits you to set it for 15, 30 or 60 minutes. It can even help treat tinnitus, and due to its modest dimensions (4 inches deep x 4.375 inches wide x 2.63 inches tall) can be taken with you wherever you go. An AC adapter is provided in your purchase, although 3 AA batteries would also do the trick.
The six main sounds offered by this device are: ocean, brook, rain, thunder, white noise, summer night. Each one of these sound options, including nature sounds, is able to conceal harsh and grating sound that interrupts night-time sleep or day-time concentration. There is the functionality of a timer, too, by which you can set it for 15, 30, or 60 minutes each time, if you don't want to leave it on all night, for example. It can be powered via AA batteries x 3, or via an AC adapter. It is also small and light enough to go with you during your travels, and help you to settle into a slumber even in unfamiliar conditions, such as a hotel or friend's spare room.
Learn more about Big Red Rooster 6 Sound White Noise Machine
Things to Consider When Buying White Noise Machines
- Size
Selecting the right white noise machine for you might depend on if you want to take it with you, when travelling, or whether it's going to be used for getting your small child or baby to sleep. If so, it would behoove you to check out the charging options, ie. does it have the capability to take batteries, AC adapter, so that you can easily keep it an optimal condition, ready to aid your young children on vacation or when visiting friends; equally, when you're on a business trip staying over in a hotel.
- Sound Modes
Nature sounds are sometimes favored, and can give 'white noise' a run for its money. The continual, monotonous yet organic sounds are easy to ignore and so allow the brain to relax and slip into a sleepy frame. For light sleepers, however, the rather spontaneous and high or low sounds that can emanate from natural sound loops can be counter-productive, ending up in keeping people awake rather than sound asleep.
'Pink noise' is also an option. This can be an alternative option on an existing 'white noise' machine; pink noise is essentially at a higher frequency than white noise and can produce a smoother sounding effect, as opposed to the slight hissing sound that white noise machines can make. It is believed that 'pink noise' can steady and slow brain waves, leading to a more prolonged, undisturbed sleep; similarly, in the office or working from home, it can help you to work in a more concerted and concentrated manner. Whether nature sounds, white noise or pink noise, you have to find the sound that works best for you.
- Volume
The volume control should not be cranked up; it's not good for your ears in the long run. This is particularly important if you intend for the machine to be used in your child's bedroom. 50 decibels (dB) is the absolute maximum that should be used in this context. It also matters how your child is from the machine, and for what duration of time. For example, if your child is a mere 30 cm away from the machine then the volume should be switched down accordingly; you must adjust the volume in order to protect your loved ones.
- Loop
It is not only high-pitched, low-pitched and sudden noises which can prevent your brain from entering a pleasant, slumberous state; repeated patterns which reach the end of their recording and then start again can also keep the brain awake. Certain programs that some white noise machines offer actually completely avoid coming to an end at any time. If there is enough to keep going then it need never end, and the brain will never be kept awake by pattern spotting. In realistic terms, not more than 8 hours is needed; that would tend to represent a good night's sleep for the average adult.
- Smart Tech
Not only do white noise machines do their primary job of soothing your brain to allow better sleep or greater concentration; they also, more often than not, allow for sound options including wi-fi connectivity, or some sort of audio app. They may allow you other options, features such as creating your own soundscapes by merging various noises into a new, soothing hybrid noise, with each strand of noise able to be tweaked in terms of pitch and volume. White noise sound machines these days can interact fully with Android-based tablets and phones, so can be operated remotely; a real bonus when it comes to tending over your child's night's sleep.
- Additional Features
Some white noise machines will even come with a digital clock, sometimes full-screen, in which there are options in terms of light functionality, brightness, colors etc. which make it a perfect companion for a nightstand. You can have a state of the art timer and alarm system integrated, which subtly fades the audio in and out, so as to enable you to wake up feeling refreshed rather than hit over the head. An on-screen media player exists in some models, with full swipe capability. With advanced settings you can even ban notifications, alter buffer size and adjust pitch, balance, volume and more.
The ability to customize the shut-off timer is also a great advantage; few of us need it to be on for 8 hours, so being able to set it for 15, 30 or 45 minutes is most useful. Some models will have built-in preset volume levels which are uniquely suited to babies; they will even have a heartbeat sound that pulsates and helps the baby to re-live its time spent in the womb! For adults, a headphone jack might be able to be plugged in, allowing you personally to benefit from the white noise, while your partner can enjoy normal, regular ambience.
Benefits of an Electrical Sound Machine
- Quick route to sleep
An electrical sound machine will help you get to sleep, and that is the biggest challenge for many. Once asleep your body sinks into different depths of sleep, but so often it is a challenge just to get to that point in the first place. An electrical sound machine muffles or 'masks' unexpected, high, low or sudden sounds which can prevent a light sleeper especially from getting to sleep.
- More solid sleep
A white noise machine is likely to help you stay sound asleep, too, due to its constant frequency helping you to tune out sharp, inconsistent noises, such as a car horn, ice machine, or Air Conditioning unit powering up. The filtering out of these noises, through white noise, should lead to a smoother, more consistent sleeping experience.
- Reduces Anxiety
People who suffer from issues to do with anxiety, can be especially sensitive to sharp bangs or sudden noises which seem to come out of nowhere. Rather than leaving the TV as background distraction, or suffer complete silence, a white noise machine is easy to use and provides a happy medium between the two extremes. Therefore, it can lower anxiety for those who suffer from it.
- Reduces Headaches
The sound options on your 'white noise' machine might include something called 'pink noise'. This is actually just another variation of white noise, but at a different frequency, and studies have suggested that it can help lessen the symptoms of headaches. It functions on a lower, deeper frequency than white noise, and offers you a reassuring, constant sound which is in no way overwhelming. There is such a thing as brown noise and even black noise, although you need to do some research and find out which one would be most useful for you.
- Improves Memory & Focus
Getting a fulsome night's sleep isn't just good for your body, but also your mind and your memory. Too many people; students, for example, work incredibly hard in the day, but do not get sufficient sleep at night, so end up not retaining as much information as they could have done if they had had a better night's sleep. Better sleep means better retention of information and knowledge received.
Dangers of Electrical Noise Generators
- Irritating
White noise won't work for everyone; it could be that another frequency such as brown, pink or black noise will be more acceptable. Indeed, all of these are forms of noise and any noise is potentially irritating and distracting. It's an intensely personal thing, and people are unique so it could be that some would sleep better with no sound at all; equally, if you've grown up in a more urban environment it might be that a certain amount of background noise is exactly what you need in order to drift off to sleep.
- Possible damage to hearing
The inner structure of your ear drum and all the surrounding bones, is an extremely delicate and finely balanced phenomenon. Having a low, humming noise placed too far your ear and at too high a volume can have a detrimental effect on your hearing. It is even more important with babies, who won't be able to express themselves; just make sure you keep the white noise machine at a relatively low volume, and at a reasonable distance from your child. Their ears are still developing and you wouldn't want anything to compromise or imperil that natural development.
- Danger signs
Being able to be awoken in a time of danger; a break-in or fire, for example, is a defence mechanism important for human survival. If you get too good at sleeping undisturbed, there is a slight danger that you won't be able to wake up when you really need to. Again, your baby might need you in the night but you might be so soundly asleep that you don't notice. It's best to use your white noise machine for seasons and not for good; if sleep is going well, take a break from it and reduce your dependency on it, as well as your ability to wake up suddenly if you need to.
- Brain development of young children
In terms of the brain development of young children, certain theories now exist that the young and developing brain needs to be able to categorize and develop sound recognition in their formative years. In this light, having a continual source of low level noise coming at them can slow brain development and lead to them developing at a slower rate. It is a relatively new field of research, though, no firm conclusions have been reached.
- Dependency
The danger of becoming hooked on these machines is that you will not be able to sleep without it; on vacation, for example, or if it breaks. It is true that there are many apps and portable options; however, it's generally not good to become so attached to your white noise machine that you can never do without it, ever again. This could be an even greater threat to young children, who potentially face a lifetime of not being able to do without it.
Types of White Noise Sounds
Nature Sounds
When researchers research activity in the nervous system and brain, it has been discovered that nature sounds enables one to have more 'outward-focused' brain activity and focus, compared with the rather more 'inward-focused' brain activity brought out by artificial, man made noise. Inward focus is associated with depression, stress and anxiety, and this is exacerbated by the hyperactivity of the nervous system which goes into a more relaxed condition when surrounded by natural sounds.
The sound of ocean waves lapping against the shore is also a great option for your white noise machine to emit; this can be meditative and non-threatening, leading to a more relaxed and sleep conducive environment. Even the steady patter of raindrops, gradually increasing or decreasing in intensity, can aid sleep, due to the gradual variations and lack of abrupt and jarring noises.
Machinery Noises
It is abrupt, sudden noises which keep us awake at night, not the steady, purring noise of machinery. That is why the activity of your white noise machine is not counterproductive but highly beneficial for sleepers – it effectively masks abrupt noises with its own constant noise, thus helping to treat such ailments as memory loss, tinnitus and lack of concentration. Specific sonic frequencies, or 'hues', can have different benefits.
- White noise; the most famous of these frequencies, has a sound not dissimilar to that of a radio which has been tuned to a little used frequency. It is comparable to white light, in that it can access equal power over all the frequencies able to be heard by the human ear.
- Pink noise is white noise, with one caveat - it has fewer higher frequencies, therefore sounds a bit like steady wind or consistent rainfall. Some say it is a little less abrasive than white noise, and is reputed to improve people's memories, according to the available research.
- Brown noise has even fewer higher frequencies and consequently sounds a little coarser than pink noise; more like the sound of a strong river current or even wind. It is believed to improve concentration, relax the mind and lead to a better night's sleep.
Ambient Soundscapes
Various other noises, especially distant sounds of human voices, can be very soothing; perhaps in some part due to early childhood experiences. It is also possible for some to experience ASMR, otherwise known as Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response. In practice, it is a certain tingling sensation which can help reduce stress and induce sleep. There are even plenty of ASMR videos online, which can be enjoyed before bedtime, in order to help you doze off.
