How to block out noise so you can sleep

How to set it up

1. For neighbors, footsteps, bass from music, or traffic, press Play on Noisy neighbors. It is loud, deep brown noise with a fan.
2. For a partner who snores, use Snoring cover. Its noise is lifted between about 125 and 500 Hz, where snoring is strongest.
3. Put the speaker between you and the noise, for example on the side of the bed nearest the shared wall.
4. Set it loud enough to cover the noise at its usual level, not its worst. You will still hear the loudest moments, but far less often.

Why low noise works better for neighbors

Walls block high sounds much better than low ones. What gets through from next door is mostly bass, footsteps, and the low part of voices. White noise is strong in the highs where the problem is not, so it has to be very loud to help. Brown noise puts its energy in the lows, so it covers the same thumps at a gentler level.

Combine sound with earplugs

Foam earplugs cut high and middle sounds well. A deep noise covers the low sounds the plugs let through. Together they work better than either one. Some people play brown noise through sleep headphones for the same reason.

Fix the source when you can

Heavy curtains, a rug, a bookcase on the shared wall, and sealing gaps around doors all help a little each. And a friendly word with a neighbor about the time their music stops can do more than any sound.

Questions