Image: Motoyen
When you are constantly traveling or away from your home for an extended period of time, sleep disruptions can make your life more exhausting than it needs to be. While some are fortunate enough to be able to catch up on their Z’s while on the go, not everyone is so gifted. Sometimes, however, the only way to get shut eye as a traveler is to do so while in route – or at least use that time to supplement the little sleep you got while trying to adjust to a new time zone. The most popular and most effective way to keep distractions from interrupting your sleep is to use noise – calming background noise, white noise, and other audio materials create a soothing atmosphere to drown out the natural commotion of everyday life and maintain a steady flow of slumber. Have a look at our favorites:
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Audiobooks: Is there a list of books you’ve been eager to read, but just don’t have the time? Gather a few from the library and download onto a device of your choosing (for example, an iPod) and organize for your trip. We suggest choosing topics that will develop and expand your skills since you will be absorbing information as you sleep. Alternatively, choose a book that’s not high on your read list so you won’t mind nodding off after a few minutes.
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Music: The old go-to. Opt for peaceful melodies that will sooth and relax your mind. Intense tracks may suit you well during an early morning workout, but even your favorite screaming tune will disrupt your nap time. Classical music is always a great option as it’s consistent and perfect for easing you into slumber.
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Sound Effects: Certain noises naturally put our minds at ease. White noise, rain, ocean waves, and the sound of the rainforest are just a few. Here are some apps that are created to help the user sleep soundly:
- Sleep Time – Alarm Clock and Sleep Cycle Analysis with Soundscapes The ultimate in sleep apps, Sleep Time features a sleep lab which with a sleep cycle analysis, now you can find out if you really were in the REM stage or not. Use the Soundscapes library to choose from a variety of restful sounds to relax to. An alarm clock is integrated to work even if the phone is set to silent mode and the app itself is free!
- Featured on major networks like CBS and NBC, Sleep Pillow Sounds is a white noise app that allows the user to create their own mixes with over 300,000 combinations at their fingertips. Sound effects range from boats to fireplaces, and rain to even vacuum noises (hey, it works!). Find what suits you best and mix away. At a low rate of $1.99, this app gives you a 12-hour sleep cycle option.
- On the more simplistic side, ease into a relaxing doze the old fashion way, by the fire-theoretically. Fire HD provides the comforting sounds of the fire crackling. Close your eyes and imagine yourself cuddled up in a blanket by the fireplace as the snow falls to the ground. In addition to sound, visions like this help put your mind into a meditative state, easing your worries putting your body into a tranquil state.
Whichever type of audio material you choose, take your time in selecting and mix things up. Remember not to go from one extreme to the other as the goal is to put both your mind and body at rest.