How to Choose a White Noise Machine

A white noise machine can be any gadget that produces a steady, unobtrusive sound that masks the racket preventing you from getting a good night's sleep. Think of the baby who falls asleep to the steady hum of the vacuum cleaner. Consider the air traveler, perhaps yourself, who nods off as soon as the drone of the jet's cruising altitude kicks in.

The humming vacuum cleaner, the droning jet -- these are two examples of what is commonly called white noise.

Here are some tips for either buying or devising your own white noise sleep machine.

1. 1

   If buying, consider the options you want. Do you want a simple hum or buzz? Or do you prefer a sleep aid that offers a variety of soothing sounds -- a gentle, spring rain falling outside your window; the crackling of a wood-burning fireplace; the soothing sounds of waves rolling in?

2. Step 2

   Decide on your price range. The more choices a white noise sound machine offers, the pricier. A basic model usually runs around $50. But even a basic model can offer choices in volume and slight variations in pitch and tone.

3. Step 3

   If money is a concern, take an existing household gadget and devise your own white noise machine. If desperate, put that humming vacuum cleaner to work. A better choice might be an electric fan. An electric fan can do double duty -- In summer, the fan can cool you off. If depending on a fan during the winter months, just face the fan away from you while sleeping.

4. Step 4

   Get a good night's sleep. Once your white noise sleep machine is humming, you'll wake up refreshed and ready to go.