If your apartment is located on a noisy street or you have loud neighbors, you might have trouble sleeping. Loud sounds can interrupt your sleep, causing insomnia and sleep deprivation. The good news is, there are things you can do about it. Here are four tips for sleeping better in a noisy apartment.
White noise
White noise can dampen loud noises by reducing the difference between your background sounds and outside sounds. Creating a constant ambient sound can help to blur the distinction between activity from inside and outside your apartment. White noise can come from a fan, air purifier, air conditioner, music, or recorded nature sounds – any machine that makes an unignorable but not grating sound can be white noise. Use white noise to provide a soothing backdrop throughout the day and night.
Although white noise can help many people sleep, other people may find it distracting. Some studies have found that, in particular, white noise may be distracting for introverts who focus better in quiet environments. If this isn’t you, then white noise that fits your preferences can help you stick to your sleep cycle.
Door draft stopper
Seal cracks to close air gaps around your door and decrease noise. Make sure you have high-quality or a draft stopper between the door and door frame to create a seal when closed.
One downfall to draft stoppers is that they can be bulky, so while using them, you may find it harder to open your door. On the other hand, adding a draft stopper is among the more affordable, effective ways to reduce outside noise.
Earplugs
Using earplugs when you live in a noisy area can be beneficial while relaxing, working, or sleeping. For many people, earplugs are the only way to almost entirely block out loud sounds. They can be a lifesaver when you need to sleep and avoid exhaustion.
Although earplugs are safe to use in general, they do have a few possible risks. Prolonged use of earplugs, which block the ear canal, may cause a buildup of earwax. They can also cause ear infections if bacteria from your earwax build up on your earplugs, though sometimes, you can heal your infection just by switching to different earplugs. If you use earplugs correctly and not over prolonged periods, you can avoid infection risks and experience a large reduction in noise.
Rearranging or adding additional furniture or rugs
Rearranging your furniture or adding more furniture of various sizes can soften sounds and dampen echoes. A large bookcase placed against a wall forces sound waves to bend around it, which diffuses (and softens) sounds traveling throughout a room. Hanging soft wall art such as a large canvas painting or tapestry will also add a little sound absorption.
Hard floors made of concrete, tile, or hardwood can also act as a reflective, and therefore amplifying, surface for sounds. Adding a soft, thick area rug can be useful in reducing echoes in rooms with tall ceilings.
How do you keep noise out at night? Sound off in the comments!
