How to Block out Noise for Better Sleep

We live in a modern, noisy world. Sometimes we can’t sleep because of the traffic noise outside or the distraction caused by loud neighbours watching television or partying hard. Over the last 30 years, levels of noise have been getting higher and are projected to rise even higher.

When noise starts to affect the quality and quantity of sleep, we have a problem as sleep is a vital component for individual health.

The Impact of Noise on Sleep and Health

Environmental noise is recognised by the World Health Organization as one of the leading environmental risks for physical and mental health. Research shows that noise pollution can lead to sleep disturbances, cardiovascular problems, and cognitive impairment.

The health consequences of poor sleep extend beyond simple tiredness. Chronic sleep disruption from environmental noise has been linked to increased risk of hypertension, stress, mood changes, and decreased cognitive performance the following day.

The Silence Project

Several studies have been conducted online by the Silence Project in the EU. These studies have been addressing sound issues of those who live in crowded areas that produce a great deal of noise from traffic. It is a proven fact that vehicle traffic produces a great deal of noise that leads to the reduction of a decent night’s sleep and disrupts needed concentration that is imperative during working hours. Studies have also shown that noise, along with fuel emissions, can impair one’s learning abilities.

Common Sources of Sleep-Disrupting Noise

Home Appliances & Technology Noises

Many people suffer from a lack of proper sleep due to technology such as stereo systems that are being played into the late hours of the evening. This issue can be easily resolved by either turning the system off or moving it out of the bedroom.

Poor sleep can also be affected if your partner is a heavy snorer or is insomniac. Because some behaviours can be passed on, there is always a good chance you could suffer from insomnia as well.

Neighbour Noise

Noises are not as easily addressed if coming from a neighbour. Their actions can lead to a lack of needed sleep, especially if their behaviour is inappropriate. The leading noises from neighbours include:

• Screaming and yelling among themselves
• Parties with loud music
• Loud alarms going off
• Dogs barking day and night
• Baby crying all night long

If you are living through these situations, there are steps you can take to stop it.

Protecting Your Ears

Outside of losing needed sleep due to noises, there are other noises that can seriously harm your hearing. Working environments that have loud noises, such as at an airport, should be addressed and usually are by the businesses giving employees ear protection. Working from home can also be difficult if you have noisy neighbours. Office earplugs can often help you concentrate on your work if the home environment is less than quiet.

Earplugs: Your First Line of Defence

There are many earplugs available that can be easily inserted into the ear canal, expand to fit properly, and protect your ears from noises. Foam earplugs are very popular and are disposable when done. These earplugs are made from a slow reacting expandable memory foam. There are also reusable pre-moulded or silicone earplugs.

The NHS recommends creating a sleep-friendly environment as part of good sleep hygiene, which includes managing noise levels. When incorporating earplugs at night to give you a good night’s rest, they are very good for deterring unwanted noise, are easily available, and very inexpensive.

You may want to try an earplugs sample bag to find exactly the right earplug for you. At Zoom Health we offer earplug samples bags for women and earplug sample bags for men. We also offer a sample bag of earplugs for snoring!

What Customers Say

Alternative Noise-Blocking Solutions

Other avenues to deter noise are ceiling fans installed in your bedroom and/or white noise therapeutic machines to remove sounds while you are sleeping.

Ceiling Fans

If you have a ceiling fan in your home, you know how it will block out various noises until you turn it off. Installing a ceiling fan in your bedroom will produce a soothing, consistent sound that allows your brain to rest for a good night’s sleep.

White Noise Machines

These machines are a great way to providing a good night’s sleep by emitting natural sounds such as birds chirping, the sound of the ocean’s tide, etc. These sounds are recorded and continually play at a comfortable volume throughout the night. NHS guidance suggests that white noise or background music can help mask external noises when it’s too noisy to sleep.

Physical Modifications

If your home is located near areas with loud noises, such as an airport, you can insulate your room from these sounds very effectively. You might also look into noise absorbing materials such as thick glass.

Earplug Sample Packs from Zoom Health

Zoom Health offers two earplug sample packs, one for men and one for women, designed to help customers find the perfect earplugs that fit their needs and ear canal shape. These sample packs are an excellent idea for several reasons.

The Men’s Earplugs Sample Pack is a comprehensive collection of Zoom Health’s best-selling earplugs from reputable brands like Mack’s and Moldex. It includes 13 pairs of foam earplugs, silicone earplugs, and wax earplugs, providing a diverse range of options to cater to different preferences and ear canal sizes. The pack includes earplugs like the 3M EARsoft Classic and Yellow Neons, Laser Lite, Moldex Contours, Mellows, Pura Fit, and Spark Plugs, among others. This variety allows men to try different earplugs and find the ones that offer the best fit, comfort, and noise reduction for their specific needs.

On the other hand, the Women’s Earplugs Sample Pack is tailored to address the fact that some women have smaller ear canals than men. This pack features 15 pairs of earplugs, including 13 pairs of foam earplugs, silicone earplugs, and wax earplugs. It includes options like Mack’s Dreamgirl Soft Foam Earplugs, MAX Lite Foam Earplugs, and Mack’s Slim Fit Earplugs, which are designed specifically for smaller ear canals. By offering a selection of smaller earplugs, the pack ensures that women can find the perfect fit for comfortable and effective noise reduction.

Why Choose Sample Packs?

These sample packs are a brilliant idea for several reasons:

• Fit and comfort: No two ear canals are exactly alike, and finding the right fit is crucial for maximum comfort and noise reduction. By trying various earplugs from the sample pack, individuals can identify the ones that fit their ear canal shape best, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit without excessive pressure or discomfort.
• Noise reduction: Different earplugs offer varying levels of noise reduction, and the sample packs allow users to test and compare the noise-blocking capabilities of multiple options. This helps them find the earplugs that provide the desired level of sound attenuation for their specific needs, whether it’s for sleeping, studying, or working in noisy environments.
• Cost-effective solution: Instead of purchasing multiple full-sized packs of earplugs to find the right fit, the sample packs offer a more cost-effective solution. Users can try various options without committing to large quantities, saving money and reducing waste.
• Versatility: The sample packs cater to a wide range of needs, including sleeping, snoring, travelling, studying, and more. By offering foam, silicone, and wax earplugs, Zoom Health ensures that customers can find the right earplugs for their specific use case and preferences.
• Easy to follow instructions: Each sample pack comes with easy-to-follow fitting instructions, ensuring that users can properly insert and wear the earplugs for maximum benefit and effectiveness.

Overall, Zoom Health’s earplug sample packs provide a convenient and cost-effective solution for individuals seeking the perfect earplugs. By offering a diverse range of options tailored to different ear canal sizes and preferences, these packs empower customers to find the ideal fit, comfort, and noise reduction for their specific needs, whether they’re men or women.

Photo “Noise” by Anthony Cunningham for Zoom Health

Zoom Health is a leading UK supplier of Home Health Tests and Earplugs.

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