Sleep Sound Machines

Sleep sound machines are intended to promote a restful nights sleep by using relaxing sounds to sooth or mask external noises that could be distracting. They can fall into one of several different categories, each of which perform their intended function through quite different methods.

The first category of sleep sound machines are actually single function white noise makers that can be employed for a number of different purposes, of which promoting restful sleep and treating insomnia is only one. These can be either electro-mechanical (using a fan to generate sound) or digital (these units play pre-recorded audio loops). Whichever type of white noise sleep sound machine you opt for, the intended effect is to create characterless random noise that helps to "tune out" other audible distractions such as street noise or loud neighbors.

The second type of sleep sound machines usually provide a selection of pre-recorded sounds intended to promote a restful nights sleep. Like a dedicated white noise maker these are digital units that employ pre-recorded audio loops, but in addition to a standard white noise function these machines include a selection of other soothing sounds like running water, waves crashing on the shore, or ambient rainforest recordings.

Some digital sleep sound machines are even more advanced and include extra functionality in addition to recorded audio playback. Most models include a timer function that allows the machine to automatically turn itself off after a predefined period, but several also include radio alarm clock functionality so that a single machine can conveniently replace your existing alarm clock as well. The Sound Oasis Travel Sound Therapy System is one of these and is designed to be used both at home and when you're travelling, whether on vacation or for business. It also includes a unique "jet lag reduction sound" and a feature that allows you record voice memos. While the effectiveness of the first might be a little questionable, the memo feature could be of use to a restless sleeper travelling on business who just can't get to sleep until they've emptied their head of distractions. This model can also run on batteries, which is particularly useful for international travellers.

A new and interesting feature of some state of the art sleep sound machines (manufactured by a company called Adaptive Sound Technologies Inc.) is that they "adapt" to environment and ambient noise wherever you use them. These units are able to adjust their volume automatically to compensate for additional disturbances or external noises with irregular peaks, which is particularly useful if you don't want to set your sleep sound machine to a permanently higher volume. While these units carry a higher price tag the additional cost could be worth it if you live in a particularly noisy urban neighborhood where you could experience disturbing noise peaks at infrequent intervals. Unlike cheaper machines these premium sleep sound machines from the Ecotones range also include higher quality audio samples than cheaper competitors and the recording run for a full 30 minutes before repeating, providing a more natural experience.