Sound Machines

Having trouble sleeping? Help yourself relax and fall asleep without any kind of pills or chemicals -- try a sound machine!  They create a soothing white noise atmosphere that can help anyone relax. What's great about these devices is that they cost as little as $20.

Recommendations

Sound machine choice is a very personal decision.  The best recommendation is to try the machine in a store if possible. If you can't, make sure the store you order from has a return policy that will allow you to try the machine for a few nights.

Low-Tech or High-Tech?

Sound machines have increased in popularity so there are number on the market. The most basic models  can cost as little as $20, while high-end models sold at stores like Brookstone can cost nearly $200. Low end machines are simple sound loops, while higher-end machines can have specialized sound blends.

One high-end machine  has sounds allegedly based on neuroacoustic research, sound blends meant to coax your brain into different stages of relaxation, and recordings provided by NASA from Earth's orbit. If you know what that means, and you think it's worth $99, this is the machine for you.

Stand-Alone or Multi-Feature?

• Today many sound machines are built into alarm clocks  or CD players,  but there are still some models available without other features.
• A stand-alone machine  might be the right choice for you if you are already satisfied with your alarm clock and sound system.
• Generally, the CD player  built in to a sound machine will not have high-quality speakers.  You might be better off with a separate player.
• If you are looking to fit a lot of devices into a small space such as a dorm room or a cramped apartment an all-in-one model might be right for you.

Waterfalls and Aromatherapy

• To enhance the spa atmosphere, some sound machines also have waterfalls,  aromatherapy  or soothing light shows  as part of the package.
• Keep in mind the location where you will put your machine. You may not want strong aromas or easily spilled waterfalls right next to the bed.

Make Sound Choices

• The most basic sound machines create just one sound -- white noise. 
• White noise sounds a little like static or someone blowing gently in your ear.
• White noise will help mask many sounds and can make a too-quiet room more inviting.
• Many sound machine nowadays have a variety of sounds - some have as many as 10 sounds.

• Common sounds available on many sound machines are:
• White Noise
• Ocean Waves
• Wind
• Gentle Rain
• Mountain Stream
• Summer Night
• Woodlands
• Waterfalls
• Heartbeat (especially useful for infants)

Other Features to Consider

• Power
• Some models only plug into a wall outlet. Many have a battery-power option.
• The battery option is not necessary if you plan to use it in one place, unless power outages are a concern.
• If you want to use your machine to assist meditation in multiple locations or as a sleep aid while traveling, a battery option might be useful.
• You might also consider a smaller travel sound machine  to supplement the one you use at home.
• Be sure that the adapter cable is included. Some bargain-priced sound machines may only have the power cord available as an additional purchase.
• Timer
• Some machines only have an on/off switch.
• Some have the option to set a timer. 
• Refills
• If you are buying a machine that doubles as an aromatherapy machine, will refills for your machine be easy to obtain? Is the aromatherapy option easy to use/refill?

Some Alternatives

• If sound machines aren't your thing, or you don't want to clutter up your space with another electronic device, you can turn your existing CD player into a sound machine - try a relaxation CD 
• There are hundreds of choices available.
• Some are just nature sounds,  some are nature sounds and music,  some are just relaxing music. 
• Although this option is a little more expensive (a regular sound machine usually costs about the same as one or two CDs), you'll be able to avoid excess wires and clutter and have more variety.
• Relaxation CDs  are especially popular for meditation and yoga. In fact, some are specifically recorded for use during yoga practice. 

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