Published By: Satavisha

It's Time To Unwind: Six Soothing Sounds That Can Improve Your Sleep

Whether a mind racing with unpleasant thoughts or the noise of the city keeping you wide awake—the struggle of tossing and turning in bed is real.

Fundamentally, our sense of hearing is linked to our experiences, perceptions, and feelings of relaxation. When trying to drift into sleep, even the most subtle sounds can disrupt it, jerking you wide awake. That’s where soothing sounds come into play—not just regular music—specific sounds that can aid a restful sleep at night.

Positive sounds help promote REM sleep. For some, the gentle sound of rustling leaves lulls them to sleep while others prefer listening to the calming rhythm of raindrops to evoke peace. If you want to improve the quality of your sleep through soothing sounds, read on to find out which one might work best for you.

Ocean Waves

Wouldn’t it be fantastic if you could lay on the sandy beach and relax to the soothing sound of crashing waves on the shore?  Here’s some good news for you – you don’t have to break a sweat, and drive to the beach to immerse in the meditative rhythmic sensation of ocean waves— you can play it in your bedroom. White noise machines can generate calming ocean sounds that can relax light sleepers who often get woken up by external noises and unpleasant thoughts.

Flowing Water and Raindrops

Apart from the ocean waves, the sound of flowing water and the pitter-patter of raindrops can also help achieve restful sleep at night. The subtle sound of rain or the steady sound of flowing water can induce feelings of relaxation. Simulate calming sensations by playing gradual and gentle variations of water sounds and eliminating the chances of abrupt noises that can wake light sleepers.

Sounds of the Nature

Invite the sounds of nature to your bedroom and indulge in the soothing joy of exploring the wilderness. If you are an ardent nature lover, enjoy the beauty of nature and fall asleep to the sounds of whirring wings, rustling leaves and chirping crickets.

These amplified and focused nature sounds can stimulate a “rest and digest” response, departing the brain from a state of unease and tension. As a result, you will sleep better at night.

Play Sleep Stories

While bedtime stories can aid better sleep even in adults, it is critical to choose content that is specifically designed to promote sleep. Avid readers who often indulge in gripping storylines will understand how such content cannot help them relax, let alone sleep.

To seamlessly ease the transition to sleep, avoid reading a story—instead, listen to one. Play bedtime tales, carefully curated—from the topic and storyline to the narration and tone of voice—to induce sleep.

ASMR Sounds

Whether you are listening to soft sounds, whispers, methodical tasks or personal attention—the gentle and soothing elements of ASMR (An autonomous sensory meridian response) can stimulate a sense of ease and relaxation that can help combat sleeplessness. From the sound of brushing hair or whispers, these mindfully crafted sounds can guarantee a peaceful night's sleep.

Classic White Noise

Sleeplessness or the absence of a healthy sleeping cycle is often worsened by loud external noises that stimulate hearing at all times, keeping us awake for hours. However, white noise can eliminate your sleeping ordeals.

A low hum or the steady whirring of a fan can aid as the most soothing noise to some. White ambient noises can eliminate disruptive sounds and help you drift into sleep, ensuring restful sleep.

Try different sounds, tuned to varying intensities, and find out which works best for you.