White Noise Machines

White Noise Maker

Are white noise machines really effective in masking noise and facilitating a good night sleep?

A white noise generator works by blocking out external noise such as traffic, noisy neighbors and TV in the next room. It works by creating a continuous sound of rushing air and you can adjust the volume to suit your preferences. You can set a white noise maker at the quietest level to achieve the masking effect you want.

Some drawbacks of using a sleep sound machine are that it can become addictive and with continued use, you may find that you have trouble sleeping without one. This could mean needing to take it with you wherever you go. This "addiction" is really a learned association and there are ways to "unlearn" the need for the white noise machine. Of course, it may be a healthier addiction than sleeping pills.

An alternative to a dedicated white noise maker is to play a CD recording of white noise. Although this might stop once the CD finishes, if using an Mp3 player, you could loop the tracks so they keep playing through the night.

There are numerous white noise sounds available. You can choose any that you find calming. For example, you can get an electric fan sound, vacuum cleaner sound or shower sound.