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Homedics Sound Machines: Sleep Peacefully Through the Night

Danielle Mcleod

There is a lot a person can learn about how they hear things, and they might be surprised by the science of how our brain interprets certain sounds that can be perceived as soothing. If you find that you enjoy having a ‘background’ noise present in order to concentrate, this article is for you.

Noise machines are a popular product not only for creating a more peaceful sleep environment but to help create a ‘blanket’ of noise that blocks those sounds that might otherwise be disruptive to what you are trying to concentrate on. Homedics Sound Machines take advantage of certain frequencies to offer you the sound experience you crave and come in a variety of styles that boast other details to help you sleep and work more efficiently.

RankProducts
#1

Deep Sleep® Mini

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#2

SoundSpa®

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#3

SoundSpa® Ultra Portable Rechargeable Sound Machine

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#4

Soundspa® Recharged

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#5

MyBaby SoundSpa Portable

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The Science of Hearing

How we hear is a complex study of the mechanical workings of our ears and brain processing information through neurological passages. The physical ear is defined by the outer, middle, and inner ear areas which transfer sound waves to our central nervous system.

The outer ear holds the eardrum that vibrates when sound waves enter it. This vibration then transfers across the middle ear which is comprised of three tiny bones. When the vibration reaches the inner ear it transfers to the cochlea which sends the sound to the brain through a series of nerves.

We actually are unable to hear all the sounds that exist. Humans can only read sounds between 20 and 20, 000 Hz with 1000-5000 Hz providing the most clarity (this is where our own speech falls). Although this may sound limited, it actually contains millions (maybe billions) of sound variances.

Sound Physics

Sound waves are not names such just for fun, sound waves actually are waves that have variances in intensity and volume which is the “height” of the wave. Frequency is defined by the number of waves that occur over a set time. Frequency influences pitch (quality of sound that makes it higher or lower in tone). The more frequent the wave, the higher the pitch.

Amazing as it sounds (no pun intended), sound also has a color spectrum. White light is a combination of all visible spectral colors, and white noise is a blend of all frequencies the human ear can hear. These almost always are in a random order but are on the same level of intensity.

White Noise Defined

White noise, as explained above, is many frequencies of sound combined together. It is used as a popular way to help block (or blanket) other sounds due to how our brain recognizes different noises. Since we can only pick out a set number of varying sounds at any given time, the use of white noise becomes effective in blocking all background sounds. For example, if you are bothered by dogs barking, cars driving by, a snoring partner, or music from down the road, white noise can help block this to it is no longer a disruption.

Some people use a fan or static from an unused radio station to create a similar scenario. Technically this is not white noise, and while somewhat effective, is not as consistent as true white noise to provide true coverage.

Sleep and Your Health

If you have been struggling with focus and overall health, you may want to look to your sleep quality. Getting the right amount of sleep for your physical and mental health is crucial to your long term health. As you sleep, your body cycles through stages for whole body rejuvenation. When you interrupt these cycles, you can be left feeling even more tired than when you first went to bed. Inconsistencies in sleep over time can influence poor health and mental clarity.

Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep, with those under 18 needing more the younger they are for brain function, growth, and body development. Although these may seem like high numbers for busy lifestyles, your health very much depends upon it.

Benefits of Quality Sleep

Getting the proper amount of zzz’s each night allows you to reap a bountiful of benefits. Not only does it allow your body and mind to truly rejuvenate, but it also is linked to lowered blood pressure, stress and anxiety relief, and lowers the likelihood of depression. You also will find you have a longer attention span, faster healing, and recovery from injury, and an increase in memory retention.

Children are especially susceptible to distractions when they are lacking sleep, and getting an uninterrupted night of rest can help support their quick rate of growth and mental sharpness through a long learning day. Teenagers especially need the supported sleep lends to the regulation of hormones and socialization skills. When children are lacking in sleep it can result in moodiness, crankiness, and even slow their overall development.

If you, or your children, are off your sleep schedule, there are many ways to help reset your cycle to a better rest. Sound machines, in particular, that use white noise and other calming sounds can be very beneficial. Most people who wake through the night are disrupted by the sound of some sort, and these machines can most definitely help with that.

How White Noise Benefits Sleep Quality

While you sleep your brain is still actively registering and processing sound. These keep your body from falling into a deeper rest for relaxation and regeneration. Noise pollution in urban areas is a very real thing, and even in rural areas, it is rare to find complete quiet. The use of white noise can help block these sounds to keep your brain from picking up on them – allowing you to fall into deeper rest without disruption.

Your brain is not able to recognize and process the types of noises that can wake you when you have a blanket of white noise on. This isn’t just beneficial for adults, babies in particular struggle with settling through the night due to cognitive awareness and their fast rate of body growth. Neonate studies have been very favorable in helping babies and toddlers fall asleep more quickly.

Other Popular Sound ‘Colors’

White noise isn’t the only sound color utilized by sound machines. It goes to figure that if there is such thing as white noise, there must be other labeled colors of noise as well. The most popular colors utilized in aid for sleep beside white include pink and brown noise.

Pink noise is found at low frequencies and is deeper in tone. They are quieter, and not quite as harsh as white sound and remind people of a low rainstorm. Many studies have found pink noise to influence a deeper sleep in people struggling with sleep interruptions.

Brown noise is reminiscent of rainstorms, heavy winds, and ocean waves. They are deep and repetitive in nature and are named after a scientific study of motion: Brownian motion which describes the random movement of particles in a liquid.

Additional White Noise Benefits

White noise isn’t only for sleep. It is a great tool to aid in relaxation, meditation, mental clarity, and focus. It is a perfect tool for creating a quiet area of study and can increase concentration for the completion of physical tasks. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) sufferers also have seen benefits of use to help calm their central nervous system to focus on specific tasks. Vertigo symptoms have also lowered in severity and sufferers have seen improvement with balance and vision with the use of white noise therapy.

Why Not Just Use a Television or Music for Background Noise?

Sound is required for communication on many levels, whether between people or between you and an object (such as an alarm). However, noise is an unnecessary distraction.

If you have ever used a television or music to cover up background noise, you may have found that you aren’t disrupted, but you also may not feel very rested. This is because of what was mentioned earlier- that your brain still processes these recognized sounds. The many variances in tone, volume, and frequency also create disruptions that you may not have even noticed.

Many times people complain of sluggishness and lack of attention and focus when they sleep an entire night like this.

Homedics SoundSpas Sound Machines

Homedics specializes in products that support a healthy home environment. They offer aids to help with relaxation, de-stressing, and simplifying your life. Founded in 1987, the company continue to strive to meet the needs of its customers with the utilization of new technologies and offers. Their line of SoundSpas offers a variety of lulling, rhythmic sounds, as well as white noise choices to help you rest. Nature, water, and campfire sounds are all choices alongside white noise to help you fall into deep relaxation for a sound, uninterrupted sleep. Some choices even include alarm clock, humidifier, soft light, and diffuser options.

Their most popular options for adults and children alike including:

Top 5 Best Homedics Sound Machines Reviews

Deep Sleep® Mini

With up to 12 hours of rechargeable battery life, the deep sleep mini offers to nature sounds, as well as white, pink, and brown noise that you can set on a timer to mask distractions matter where you lay your head. An auto-off timer can be set to 30, 60, or 90 minutes for initial relaxation if needed and to help save battery.

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SoundSpa®

The SoundSpa is the original design that started it all and is still a consumer favorite. With your choice of 5 nature sounds or white noise, this machine works to block unwanted distractions all night long. It also has an auto-off timer when needed, and is the perfect addition to any bedroom.

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SoundSpa® Ultra Portable Rechargeable Sound Machine

The SoundSpa Ultra portable option is not the only rechargeable for on the go white noise, it also offers an option of 11 other nature sounds to choose from. A timer for auto off and volume control round this machine out for convenient use.

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Soundspa® Recharged

This is the ultimate alarm clock design that utilizes white noise as well as a variety of 7 other relaxing sounds, an FM radio, digital time display, alarm, and time projection for your wall or ceiling. An indoor temperature sensor also displays on the screen, and you have 5 choices for sleep modes.

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MyBaby SoundSpa Portable

The MyBaby SoundSpa was made specifically with soothing sounds, including heartbeat, white noise, and nature to help lull young children to sleep. Auto-off timers, volume control, and rechargeable batteries make this the perfect portable solution for wherever baby sleeps.

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You may want to read: Know About Sleep Sound Machines

Conclusion

Sound machines are a great addition to any bedroom whether you suffer from sound interruptions or not. They are a great way to help mask other noises through the night, and also provides a gentle environment in which to fall asleep. Their other benefits support focus and concentration as well, making them a great investment for use in offices and even classrooms as well as the bedroom.