Sounds to Help Me Sleep

Some people find it difficult to go to sleep. This can be due to unwanted sound or physical tension. Sleep can be hindered also by a poor sleeping environment. A few solutions to the problem include improving sleeping conditions, relaxation techniques and listening to sounds that promote sleep.

Sounds

• Nature offers a soothing solution, so listen to recordings of birds, crickets, the ocean or rain to encourage sleep. Drown out unwanted sounds with the sound of a thunderstorm or a fan, which also keeps the bedroom cool to provide the right condition for sleep. White noise and the sound of distant drumming is hypnotic and can be effective.

Purchase

• Go online or visit a local music or New Age store to buy quality sound tracks of sounds that help to induce sleep. Download an app to a cellphone, and preset the length of time to play the music long enough to drift into sleep. Record coastal sounds or soothing sounds to create a personal compilation as another option.

Relaxation Tips

• Shake off the stress of the day with a brisk walk, or engage in other physical activities to release muscular tension and to bring on tiredness. Relax in a bath filled with aromatherapy bath oil while listening to relaxing background music. Turn off the television to sit peacefully while drinking a hot milky drink. Go to bed and, in silence, try out some gentle breathing exercises, such as inhaling deeply and then exhaling slowly and repeating the exercise for at least five minutes. Then switch on the recording of sleep-inducing sounds.

Sleeping Environment

• Make sure that the bedroom is cool. Curtains fully drawn shut will darken the room. A good investment is a quality supportive mattress for comfort. Keep the bedroom clean and free of clutter. A bedroom that's clean and free of clutter and decorated in soothing colors will create a place of tranquillity. If the bedroom is a comfortable, calming place, the soothing sounds are more likely to take effect.