A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study that took place in Atlanta found that up to 10-percent of the U.S. population are at risk of being affected by noise pollution, and that these noise levels were high enough to disturb the sleep of two percent of the population. While two percent doesn’t seem like a high number, we’re talking about the entire country, which means a lot of people are affected.
So, if you live in an area that has a high rate of noise pollution both day and night, how do you get a good night’s sleep? Here are some tips that, as a bonus, can help drown out a bed partner who snores…
- Ear plugs: This is the most obvious and cheapest solution. Earplugs that cancel out sound are available at any number of stores for less than five dollars.
- White Noise Machine: While a little more expensive than ear plugs, these machines can make canceling out noise more enjoyable and even help you sleep when it’s not noisy. Most machines provide a variety of sounds, including the ocean, forest sounds, and even a simulated vacuum cleaner. White noise machines can be found at various stores, or Amazon.com, for $40 or more.
- Make Your Own White Noise: If your bedroom is near a bathroom and the outside noise isn’t extremely loud, try leaving the fan on all night. That might provide enough white noise to help you sleep. The benefit here is that it’s free except for the small amount of electricity you’ll be using to power the fan.
- Install Soundproof Windows: Most of the noise from the outside world comes in through your windows, so buying replacement windows can make a big difference.
- Soundproof Your Entire Home: This is clearly the most expensive option, but is certainly the most thorough. The television network TLC offers some tips on how to do it at this link.
