# Do you use a sound machine as a sleep aid? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [February 3, 2015, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-sound-machine-as-a-sleep-aid/711723 "2015-02-03T16:25:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![TonySinclair](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/49beb7/32.png) [@TonySinclair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TonySinclair)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2015, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-sound-machine-as-a-sleep-aid/711723/21 "2015-02-04T02:52:17Z")
I just use an old radio tuned to the end of the spectrum, where there’s nothing but static. ---
**Author:** ![urban1a](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/e47c2d/32.png) [@urban1a](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/urban1a)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2015, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-sound-machine-as-a-sleep-aid/711723/22 "2015-02-04T03:01:08Z")
Not a sound machine, per se, but a recording of a mountain stream that runs about 1 hour. I’m plenty to sleep before it ends and if I wake up during the night, I almost always start it again. Use it for naps too. Bob ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2015, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-sound-machine-as-a-sleep-aid/711723/23 "2015-02-04T03:21:17Z")
I fall asleep most nights listening to some sort of talkshow/storytellng podcast. It’s kind of weird–if there were “real” people talking in the other room it would keep me up all night. But voices coming from my iPod speaker somehow lull me to sleep. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2015, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-sound-machine-as-a-sleep-aid/711723/24 "2015-02-04T03:49:49Z")
We use a HEPA air filter. ---
**Author:** ![SeaDragonTattoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@SeaDragonTattoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaDragonTattoo)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2015, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-sound-machine-as-a-sleep-aid/711723/25 "2015-02-04T04:16:51Z")
I just use a white noise CD on repeat. I burned the track for 99 cents, 70 minutes and has a nice fade in and fade out so it’s not jarring when it cycles. I’m usually fast asleep far before then, I only notice it if I’m still reading. I already had a CD player in the bedroom, though, so it’s not like I made a special purchase just for that. ---
**Author:** ![pullin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c57346/32.png) [@pullin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pullin)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2015, 10:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-sound-machine-as-a-sleep-aid/711723/26 "2015-02-04T10:50:09Z")
I use one religiously. I think it’s a cheap Homedics. I like to travel light (and not bring it) so my first question of any hotel is whether I can set the A/C to run the fan\* continually. If not, I don’t stay there. I’m in a group at work that travels extensively, and I added this item to our internal hotel/restaurant/rentcar rating site. It’s surprising how many other people find this important, and even a deal breaker. \*Some newer motels don’t have the always-on option for the fan. It will only run when heating or cooling. ---
**Author:** ![X.L.Lent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/a5b964/32.png) [@X.L.Lent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/X.L.Lent)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2015, 10:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-sound-machine-as-a-sleep-aid/711723/27 "2015-02-04T10:53:31Z")
I don’t use a sound machine but when I can’t sleep I’ll sometimes fire up the computer and find something on [youtube.com](http://youtube.com) to recreate some low background noise. For example, here is 10 hours of rain on a tin roof: There are many other videos like this on [youtube.com](http://youtube.com) - sounds of rain, ocean waves, waterfalls, etc. ---
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2015, 11:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-sound-machine-as-a-sleep-aid/711723/28 "2015-02-04T11:54:41Z")
I have been a big fan of using a fan for many years. I like the quiet hum and the gentle air movements. Recently a noisy neighbour moved in and I use the brown noise effect on the WhiteNoise Android app. Both brown and pink noise have research to back their efficacy. ---
**Author:** ![GrumpyBunny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bc8723/32.png) [@GrumpyBunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrumpyBunny)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2015, 12:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-sound-machine-as-a-sleep-aid/711723/29 "2015-02-04T12:02:37Z")
Another vote for the noise of a desk fan. I need the noise enough that in the winter I turn on the fan and point it toward the wall, just for the noise. ---
**Author:** ![Ranchoth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranchoth/32/1066_2.png) [@Ranchoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranchoth)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2015, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-sound-machine-as-a-sleep-aid/711723/30 "2015-02-04T12:34:05Z")
I use a floor fan, combined with with a TV—usually a four-hour loop of crackling logs in a fireplace with rain, or something suitably sedate/dreary on DVD, Netflix, or YouTube via AppleTV. Phillip Glass’ ouevre is in heavy rotation, at the moment. _Koyaaaaaanisqatsiiiiiii_… ---
**Author:** ![What\_the](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f4b2a3/32.png) [@What\_the](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_the)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2015, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-sound-machine-as-a-sleep-aid/711723/31 "2015-02-04T13:26:26Z")
Thanks for the input…keep it coming! I use a fan in the summer but it doesn’t work as well in my cold bedroom in the winter. The tv helps put me to sleep but the real problem is staying asleep and you really need the right show/station. Any good Android apps … ?? ---
**Author:** ![CGav8r](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/34f0e0/32.png) [@CGav8r](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CGav8r)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2015, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-sound-machine-as-a-sleep-aid/711723/32 "2015-02-04T14:54:35Z")
I use a free app on my iPhone - Sleep Stream 2 - set to rain or thunderstorm. Works great. ---
**Author:** ![Tom\_Tildrum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e95f7d/32.png) [@Tom\_Tildrum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Tildrum)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2015, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-sound-machine-as-a-sleep-aid/711723/33 "2015-02-04T15:41:46Z")
> [@What\_the](#): > > Any good Android apps … ?? I use White Noise Lite. Lots of different sounds, timer options, etc. > [@TonySinclair](#): > > I just use an old radio tuned to the end of the spectrum, where there’s nothing but static. That’s the prelude to a horror movie, that is: “SSSSSSSSSSSSSSS…mommy…SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS… whereareyou…SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS” ---
**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2015, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-sound-machine-as-a-sleep-aid/711723/34 "2015-02-04T16:11:00Z")
We have the Dohm for the baby. It’s fantastic - it doesn’t play a recording, it just makes white noise. It’s made in the US, I hear they really stand behind their product, and I think it helps the baby sleep. ---
**Author:** ![Trinopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/2bfe46/32.png) [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2015, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-sound-machine-as-a-sleep-aid/711723/35 "2015-02-04T22:57:26Z")
> [@X.L.Lent](#): > > . . . For example, here is 10 hours of rain on a tin roof: > [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJ9RgW8MrKA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJ9RgW8MrKA) . . . Nice! I clicked on that, listened for about ten seconds…and had to fight to stay awake! ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2015, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-sound-machine-as-a-sleep-aid/711723/36 "2015-02-05T02:22:20Z")
> [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](#): > > We have #9 (HoMedics sound spa). I have it too, for about a year. It’s terrible. A large percentage of this model have some sort of issue with them that the sound cuts out for no reason. Power’s still on, you can see the power button lit up still, but you have to fiddle with the volume knob or beat on the machine to get it to resume. If you’re a really light sleeper, the cutting out will wake you. Edit: **Sigene** , expect that to keep happening, on a regular basis, as long as you own it. Another irritating thing about it is that the “thunder storm” sound is only a minute or so long on a loop. It’s really easy to notice it starting over, and that keeps you awake too. I find it pretty disappointing because my last one was by the same company, and it was awesome. I had it about a decade and the only time it ever had an issue was just after a power failure - unplugging the AC would fix that, though. That one was a black rectangle and included an alarm clock. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2015, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-sound-machine-as-a-sleep-aid/711723/37 "2015-02-05T13:57:39Z")
_Here comes the light - what a fine morning to mourn. I mourn the night without a sleep-sound._ - “Bought A Rope” - the Minus Five I have had a Sleep-Sound unit for years and it works fine (I don’t see that model for sale on an initial Google search so maybe it is off the market, but Marpac apparently makes similar ones). I can’t understand why people buy complicated machines that have rain forest noises, babbling brooks, ISIS propaganda tapes etc. but if it works for you… ---
**Author:** ![control-z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eada6e/32.png) [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2015, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-sound-machine-as-a-sleep-aid/711723/38 "2015-02-05T16:22:23Z")
I turn the TV on, set the sleep timer for 30 minutes, and tune the TV to something like stand-up comedy. I close my eyes and listen, and rarely hear the TV turn off. ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2015, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-sound-machine-as-a-sleep-aid/711723/39 "2015-02-05T16:53:15Z")
My personal favorite is the Star Trek background noise. There’s like a hundred of them on YouTube. ---
**Author:** ![nashvillechick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/47e85d/32.png) [@nashvillechick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nashvillechick)\ **Post date:** [April 1, 2015, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-sound-machine-as-a-sleep-aid/711723/40 "2015-04-01T17:53:54Z")
I’ve got pretty significant nighttime anxiety with related insomnia issues, and sound machines have really helped to screen out noises and lull me to sleep. I have an old Brookstone machine that’s run 24/7 for most of over 15 years without any problems. The stream setting is the only one that doesn’t annoy my brain. I’ve also got a Marpac sleep mate for just white noise. It also works well, but for the most part I prefer the Brookstone’s stream sound. When I travel, I use the free iPhone app Relax Melodies, set on river. TV has too much potential to change sounds (commercials, etc.) and wake me up, plus the blue light it emits isn’t good for sleep. Fans are OK in summer, but I don’t like the breeze in cool weather. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-sound-machine-as-a-sleep-aid/711723.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-use-a-sound-machine-as-a-sleep-aid/711723.md?page=3)