For some people with insomnia, any sound at all during sleep\u2014or rather, during those times when one is trying to get to sleep\u2014drives them crazy. But for others, \u201cwhite noise\u201d is the cure. \u201cWhite noise\u201d ranges from the steady sound of a fan blowing to the soft hum of an air filter or even a computer that doesn\u2019t get shut off at night. The noise can be used to mask or over-ride other noises that may be disturbing to sleep\u2014outside traffic, sounds and voices from a street below\u2014or it can be used to create a gentle, constant, soothing\u2014some say hypnotic\u2014ambiance of sound. But if you haven\u2019t tried it, you won\u2019t know which type of person you are.<\/p>\n
Try starting out with a fan in the room. If it seems to work, you may want to explore some of the fancier white noise machines sold in many department stores. Then again, you may like the sound of the fan\u2014and not have to spend a nickel! It\u2019s worth a try. Like I said, for some people it\u2019s the cure!<\/p>\n