There are many methods and products available for helping individuals with sleep problems or insomnia issues to fall asleep. These range from techniques, such as focused breathing and relaxation, to prescription medication, such as Ambien sleep medicine, to novel uses of technology, such as sound and light machines and the use of white noise.

It is this last category - the white noise machines - that is going to be the focus in this article. Why? Because while millions of people deal with sleep problems every night, most of them are familiar with everything on this list above with the exception of using a white noise machine. So let us see if that gap in knowledge can be filled in just a little bit today!

When the goal is to assist with sleep, a sleep machine can be used to block out external sounds and mental stimuli. This is accomplished through the use of constant, repetitive white noise, which the mind locks onto and uses as a kind of barrier between the brain and the outside world. Additionally, in a very real sense, having a Homedics white noise unit close to your bed stand at night literally makes it a sound that is close by, and thus blocks out other sounds from a further a distance.

When the brain gets habituated to a repetitive sound, the conscious mind pushes this sound into the back ground. In other words, a repetitive ceases to be heard in contrast to a new sound. A simple example of this in everyday life is how people rarely hear their clock ticking or how a person might not notice that the air conditioning had been running and making a loud constant sound of air blowing until the AC turns off. In the absence of the sound, the mind recognizes it had been there easier than during the presence of the sound.

Many people use white noise machines at night as the lie in bed to help their mind relax and focus on nothing in particular, only their intention to gently ease into the dreaming world and enjoy a good night of rest and deep sleep. It is not a case of technological magic - it is more of a case of solid science combined with a users honest efforts to fall asleep that allows for such technologies to be helpful as a sleep aid.

For people interesting in purchasing a product such as this that can emit relaxing sounds, there are dozens of feature rich sound machines they might want to look at before deciding and buying one. This wide array of products is nice as it gives a consumer many options. At the same time, it can also make it harder to decide what is worth buying and what it not worth buying. That being said, this article will take a look at common white noise machine features and provide some guidance on those features in an effort to assist the would-be consumer.

What are the common features a sound machine such as these?

1. White Noise.

This means there will be a setting specifically for white fuzz or static. The sound this makes is somewhere in between a constant fuzzy buzz combined with heavy rain or the beach. It is an interesting collaboration of organic and artificial sound.

2. Nature Sounds.

Nearly all sound machines are equipped with 5-12 additional sounds beyond white noise. Common nature sounds for these settings include things such as rain, thunderstorms, the beach, a rainforest, a babbling brook, birds chirping, and a heartbeat. Having these extra sounds is a nice perk and adds virtually no cost to the sound machine, therefore, it is recommended.

3. Headphone Input.

This is a feature that is likely to get much use. However, if it is specifically something that is likely to be used for certain circumstances, such as flying on a plane and needing to block out the surrounding environment, the use of headphones can be a blessing on a white noise machine. Otherwise, if it means an increase in price versus comparable models, there is little need to spend the extra money on such a feature.

4. Digital Clock and Alarm Clock.

This sounds like a convenient feature but many find it distracting. It is preferable to not have the bright digital LED lights from the sound machine casting light into your sleeping area. This is not a feature recommended as it adds nothing to the reason for having a white noise machine.

5. Projection Lighting.

Getting good sleep is essential for a good quality of life. People who suffer from sleep disturbances like difficulty falling asleep or waking up in the night can benefit from being self hypnotised before bed.

The Importance of Good Sleep

Lack of sleep can lead to all sorts of unpleasant effects and interfere with enjoyment of life. People who are regularly deprived of sleep often experience:
•    Reduced concentration
•    Poor memory
•    Reduced motor coordination
•    Weakened immune systems

Reasons for Sleeplessness

The cause is most often linked to poor sleep patterns is stress, which can be a result of:
•    overworking
•    troubling psychological baggage
•    financial troubles
•    other stressful factors
Loss of sleep due to stress is common. A survey by the Better Sleep Council found that 51 percent of Americans report that stress regularly disturbs their sleep. Sporadic episodes of insomnia can be overcome with simple techniques of hypnosis. Individuals who become self hypnotised before bed are relaxed and enjoy quality, deep sleep.

How to Get Better Sleep

These three steps are a great start to improving your quality of sleep. If your sleeplessness persists, see your doctor for a complete health evaluation and further guidance.

1. Consider your lifestyle. If you work day and night, ignoring signs of stress, schedule in a break for yourself. Clear your calendar for a day and dedicate it to relaxation.

2. Evaluate your sleep environment. Make the bedroom a quiet haven for rest. The hum of a computer, light from a bedside clock or are environmental disturbances that could reduce the quality of your deep sleep. Use a sleep mask and ear plugs if you have no control over environmental factors.

3. Go to bed self hypnotised. Many people go to bed with a “to do” list still running through their minds keeping the brain in an adrenaline-fueled state that will never bring good sleep. Self-hypnosis is a simple, effective way to calm the mind before sleeping.

Steps To Relaxation Through Self-Hynposis:
•    Lay on your back and close your eyes and arms naturally at your sides.

•    Inhale deeply from the abdomen and count to eight. Exhale slowly as you count to eight again. Repeat for several rounds.

•    Flex and release every muscle sequentially. Begin with your toes and work your way up, focusing on each muscle group.

•    Remain focused on relaxing. Don’t allow your mind to wander. As thoughts arise, drop them and return your focus to your breath.

•    Count down from ten and imagine yourself descending into deeper relaxation as you go through each number. Don’t rush through the numbers; enjoy relaxing into each one.

•    By the time you reach “one,” you should feel completely relaxed if not asleep. Increase the count to twenty until you fall asleep. Do this every night before bed and be patient. The results will be worth the effort.