White noise is a common repetitive mostly soothing sound that people will often play in the background to help with sleep and help with focus and concentration. Many of us are surrounded by noises in our environment that can be a detriment to us but oftentimes we also can surround ourselves with noises that are a benefit to ourselves.

I know that I used a lot of white noise when I was studying during grad school. I currently use it when I’m in a new place, like a hotel or a friend’s house. I will put white noise on as a way of helping me fall asleep and/or stay asleep.  I have a lot of trouble sleeping in a room with new people, like sharing a hotel room at a conference or when there is noise in the hall etc… so the white noise apps are a MIRACLE for me!

Too often we spend time making sure we have the right lighting in our bedroom,  the perfect pillow and thread count sheets, the perfect temperature setting for the ideal sleep environment.

But how often do we think about sound?  One of my favorite movies, My Cousin Vinny has a great couple of scenes about how the various sounds at night keep Vinny from sleeping with trains going by at 3am, cannot sleep out in the middle of nowhere with crickets and screeching owls, but when he has to sleep in jail for one night he sleeps like a baby with all the chaos and screaming going on around him.  According to the website Saatva.com they say that white noise is different from those bothersome sounds.

I like the variety you can choose from. I’m not going to lie however my favorite is the heavy rain and thunder/lightning storm.  I’m not sure why that one is so soothing for me but it is.  The kitten purring and the clothes dryer running are also pretty amazing.  

You can even record your own soothing sounds. How cool would it be to record your own cat purring and soothe yourself to sleep as if they were there with you. I think it would be so much more soothing to know it’s your own cat purring while you’re trying to sleep. This app has it all.

It helps to reduce stress and relax you. You can use the app while running other apps as well. Not sure why I would be trying to relax by listening to some good white noise, while doing something else… but I guess some people like it both.

In addition to that feature, this app allows you to create new sound mixes, like mixing rain and thunder with waves crashing. It has a full digital clock in different colors and brightness levels, It’s got an alarm that fades in and a timer system.  You can of course save your favorites which is great at night when I’m tired and trying to get to sleep quickly. 

Sound machines are also a cool thing.  It is basically just a glorified alarm clock with speakers to play the sounds you select.   Saavta also says

 “Whether you go for constant white noise, pink noise, or nature sounds that aren’t technically either one, placement is key. Somewhere on the floor may be better for a white noise machine than on the nightstand or under your pillow. The reason? Simple: You don’t want your noise machine to be the thing that keeps you awake.”

Your Choice of White Noise is Personal

Many sound machines with white noise come equipped with a variety of sounds, including white noise and rainfall. If you’re unsure what type of sounds might work best for you, get a machine with a variety of choices and volume levels to test out at night. “If you are worried about becoming dependent upon the machine, look into one that is portable and could come with you when you travel,” Dr. Rebecca Robbins says on their website.

Sometimes it’s easier to just use the app on your phone but make sure you charge your phone while it’s in use so you don’t drain your battery.  It doesn’t take TOO much juice but I am paranoid about my phone dying and my alarm not waking me up on time. 

Isn’t it crazy what some people find soothing and others find stressful?  Most of my Houston friends in a certain part of town where it always floods express PTSD when they hear the sounds of a storm however I find it very soothing.

While I don’t mind the sounds of a city, sleeping in NYC with the windows open can be distracting to me and I don’t get a good night’s sleep.  It is each human’s personal experiences that cater to those likes and dislikes just like with smells.

My best friend lives in Oregon and when she sleeps with the windows open and can hear the waves crash she is immediately lulled to sleep. But for some of us, it’s not an attractive and soothing sound.  Again, it’s a personal preference… 

Please check out my app recommendation(apple or play store) or any others you find and see what you think. Let me know what your favorites are and let’s see how many different apps we can share.