A slamming door, a neighbor coming home late, a snoring partner… It’s not always loud noises that wake us up, but sudden noises that break the silence. That’s where white noise comes in.
What is white noise?
It’s a continuous, steady sound, much like the hum of a fan or the static of a radio. More broadly, the term white noise is also used for other soothing background sounds: rain, waves, a stream, or the forest.
How does it help you sleep?
The principle is simple: a soft, constant background sound reduces the contrast between silence and sudden noises. A slamming door is less noticeable, and your brain is less likely to startle. Many people also find that a steady sound helps them switch off and stop ruminating.
Who is it for?
- Those who live in an apartment or on a noisy street
- Those who share a bedroom with a snorer
- Light sleepers who are woken by the slightest noise
- Travelers, whether staying in a hotel or with friends
- Parents, for a baby’s room (placed at a safe distance and at a moderate volume)
How to use it effectively
- Place the device at a distance: on the bedside table, one or two meters from your head, not against the pillow.
- Set it to a moderate volume: just loud enough to mask background noises, like a shower running in the next room.
- Choose your sound: pure white noise to mask as much as possible, or rain or waves if you prefer a more natural sound.
- Use a timer if you don’t want it to run all night.
- Be consistent: used every night, the sound becomes a sleep cue for your brain.
Our white noise machine
The NuitSereine white noise machine offers six sounds (white noise, rain, waves, forest, stream, lullaby), a “breathing” light to help you relax, and a 15-, 30-, or 60-minute timer. USB-rechargeable, it fits easily into a suitcase.
For particularly noisy nights, pair it with our reusable silicone earplugs, or choose the Nuit sereine set, which includes the machine, earplugs, and a heated mask.
This advice is general and does not replace medical advice. If your sleep problems persist, speak to a healthcare professional.