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A sleep expert has revealed which sounds help you nod off – and which are the best to wake up to. Sleep expert Hannah Shore claims ocean waves, a crackling fire, and the distant buzzing of a fan, are among the top 10 sounds that help people to fall asleep.
Meanwhile, hearing a piece of toast being cut, or a kettle boiling, are most likely to make them rise and shine gently.
It comes after a poll of 2,000 adults found half enjoy listening to white noise to go to sleep or wake them up.
The study, commissioned by Premier Inn, found 26 percent listen to it every night – with rainfall sounds (40 percent), music (34 percent), and the sound of a fan (24 percent) among the top choices.
The hotel chain has launched Nod-Flix, an ASMR channel where guests can have their optimal video and soundscape play as they drift off.
Hannah Shore, who is working with the hotel brand in partnership with Silentnight, said: “Depending on the individual, watching or listening to something calming before bed can be part of our sleep process.
“Different sounds generate different responses from our subconscious when we’re asleep, so what might be soothing to one, might not be for another.
“If you’re sharing a bed or a room, be considerate and invest in a pair of headphones – or why not try finding a sound that you both find soothing?”
The study also found that if they are sharing a room with other people and unable to listen to their white noise, 27 percent wouldn’t be able to sleep properly as a result.
More than half (58 percent) normally listen to these sounds or noises on their phone, with 34 percent tuning in via an app – while 15 percent even have a sound machine.
Wind sounds (21 percent), audio books (16 percent), and a cat purring (seven percent) also made the list of sounds and noises people like to fall asleep to.
It also emerged half of the adults polled feel their sleep varies depending on the season we’re in.
More than half (57 percent) reckon they sleep the best during autumn or winter, with just seven percent claiming they get the best shut eye over the summer months.
Respondents were shown a number of hotel-inspired ASMR type videos from the Nod-Flix channel, from the kettle boiling to a suitcase being pulled along hard floor.
It found the sound of sizzling bacon was found to be most relaxing, followed by the trickle of running water from the shower.
The study, carried out via OnePoll.com, also revealed the sound of a vacuum was surprisingly least calming.
Hannah Shore, for Premier Inn, added: “Switching off does not come as easy to some people as it does others, and sounds are a great way to help with this.
“Some people prefer complete silence, whereas to others the silence means they listen out for all the little sounds – in a hotel this can be people walking down the hall, doors closing, or the lift.
“Others may find they need their brain to concentrate on something else. In these cases, there needs to be something in the sounds they can focus on – like the slow rhythm of calming music, the repetitiveness of waves lapping on the beach, or even the noise of the TV.
“This can allow the mind to switch off from the day, therefore allowing you to fall asleep, which we hope the Nod-Flix channel will accomplish for many.”
