Do you have trouble sleeping at night? Others do, too, for a variety of reasons, including stress, what we've eaten, our environment, or just plain old noise. But not all noise is harmful; some sounds might really help you sleep.

Most of us recall our mums lulling us to sleep by quietly singing us a nursery rhyme or humming to us till we fell asleep comfortably. Why can't things still be so straightforward? Many sounds can assist us in falling asleep, but what works best depends on the person.

Some sounds will make us happy, whether they are waves lapping at the shore, the wind, or the hum of the washing machine.

Why do some sounds assist us in falling asleep?

When the brain detects a sound, it determines how dangerous it is. Because the sound of waves lapping at the coast is predictable and rhythmic, the brain is unlikely to perceive it as a threat, whereas high-pitched stimuli might be surprising and elicit a threat response. In general, lower frequencies of sound, as well as repeating noises, make our brains feel calmer and at ease. Nature sounds for sleep are extremely popular. According to Science Daily, researchers at BSMS discovered how sounds of nature affect our brain and help us sleep:
"We're all familiar with the feeling of relaxation and switching-off' that comes with a walk in the woods, and now we have evidence from the brain and body that helps us explain this effect."

"The brain connectivity showed an outward-directed focus of attention when listening to natural sounds, and an inward-directed focus of attention when listening to manufactured sounds, comparable to states reported in anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression."

What are the best sounds for sleeping?

Here are some of the most popular and helpful sleep noises, in no particular order: 

Noisy white noise

White noise, which is known for its relaxing benefits while masking high and low-frequency noise pollution, is one of the most favored noises for sleep. Those who have trouble sleeping use white noise machines to drown out the sounds around them, especially those who are kept awake at night by the tiniest noises, such as dogs barking, their spouse snoring, or the sound of automobiles. White noise machines function in two ways: they block distracting noises while also creating pleasant sounds that are relaxing and aid in sleep induction.

Oceans and waves

The waters are a lovely listen while we're attempting to sleep, whether it's soothing waves lapping the shore or the sounds of sea birds and the smash of ocean storms. They're the perfect addition to any sleep soundtrack since they're dreamy, ethereal, and ready to let us float away. Here's what SeaChest.co.uk has to say about sleeping with ocean sounds:

 Source: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTSsy9bWTUbWqs7umPyL_uQ

"Ocean sounds are the polar opposite of the startling noises that elicit our danger responses, reflecting 'non-threatening' sounds that are normally quieter and increase in loudness gradually." Sea noises, with their steady crashing and rising, are a naturally tranquil layer of noise that soothes and relaxes the brain. As a result, we absorb these ocean sounds very different than more abrupt stimuli, allowing us to relax and even sleep while listening to them."

Forest and rain forest

The rainforest is a hive of life, with the soft hum of insects, the calls of canopy birds, and the gradual drip of rain from yesterday night's torrents. These noises become rhythmical and calming when recorded as a whole and played back. And, according to health.com, these sound variations are actually good for sleeping! 

Source: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTSsy9bWTUbWqs7umPyL_uQ
"Natural noises are less likely to irritate us than other sounds since they frequently involve amplitude and frequency changes."

Storms and rainfall

Aside from the influence rain has on barometric pressure and melatonin production, the sheer sound of rain can also help us fall asleep. According to Topofy:

"Studies show that when rain noises penetrate our head, our brain relaxes involuntarily and produces alpha waves, resulting in a sleep-like state." The sound of rain relaxes us and makes us feel at ease." 

Piano music, classical

While the benefits of lullabies and soothing music are well documented for babies, classical music's effectiveness for other age groups is less well known. According to one study, incorporating music into your sleep pattern can reduce the time it takes to fall asleep by half.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTSsy9bWTUbWqs7umPyL_uQ

"The usage of music reduced the time it took to fall asleep and the number of overnight awakenings." As a result, it improved sleep contentment. Nurses could advise older women with insomnia to listen to music before bed." 

CONCLUSION 

Noisy white noise White noise, which is known for its relaxing benefits while masking high and low-frequency noise pollution, is one of the most favored noises for sleep.