In fact, according to a 2017 study, 38% of people fall asleep faster when listening to white noise, like from a fan or air conditioner. 
Noise machines emit built-in sounds ranging from white noise, pink noise, nature sounds, and even meditations that you can listen to as you fall asleep. Many high-tech sound machines today even have accompanying apps and timer settings with auto-shut-off options.
We’ve rounded up the best sound machines available so you can doze off quicker tonight and every night. 
Also: What are best sleep trackers and are they really accurate? The LectroFan Evo White Noise Sound Machine has the most sounds out of any noise machine on this list. These include 10 fan sounds, 10 white, pink, and brown noise variations, and two ocean sounds. Plus, there are no sound loops, so you won’t hear the same thing over and over for an hour.  This noise machine is powered by AC or by USB and has a 3.5mm headphone jack so you can plug in headphones if you’re trying not to disturb a partner or roommate. It also has a sleep timer that will stop noise in the middle of the night.  For a more budget-friendly option, the Homedics SoundSleep White Noise Sound Machine will lull you to sweet dreams for just under $20. It offers six different sounds: white noise, thunder, ocean, rain, summer night, and brook.  This noise machine has three auto-timer options so the sounds stop at 15, 30, or 60 minutes, depending on how long it takes you to fall asleep.  The Loftie Clock is first-and-foremost an alarm clock, but it features nine soundscapes that make it a great noise machine. The soundscapes even include breathwork and guided meditations, so you can fall asleep feeling at peace. Plus, the alarm clock allows you to stop sleeping with your phone next to your bed. You can customize your alarm tone, volume, and weekly schedule in the settings. There are also two phases to this alarm clock: the first sound is gentle to get you out of your sleep cycle, while the second is meant to get you out of bed. Also: The 5 best alarm clocks: Rise and shine The Hatch Rest+ is perfect for babies, toddlers, and even littler kids who have trouble with bedtime. It has sounds like white noise, rain, wind, as well as expert curated music and bedtime stories with the Hatch Sleep membership. The membership is included with your purchase for one month, but after that’s you’ll have to pay $50 a year.  Parents can control the device from anywhere in the house to change sleep sounds or turn down the volume. You can also pair light and sounds to build habits and cues for your little one’s nighttime routine.  If you spend time traveling and have trouble sleeping in new places, this noise machine from Homedics is super portable at just less than a pound. It’s also battery powered and will provide you with up to 12 hours of sound with one charge, so you can even bring it camping.  The sound machine’s 12 sounds include ocean, thunderstorm, white noise, campfire, and more. It also has an auto-off timer for 15, 30, or 60 minutes.  A 2021 study revealed that white noise significantly improved sleep based on subjective and objective measurements in subjects complaining of difficulty sleeping due to high levels of environmental noise.  Aside from covering up noise, white noise machines could also train your brain to know it’s time to fall asleep by consistently adding it to your nighttime routine.  There’s also brown noise, which some of these machines have as an option. Brown noise has a deeper bass tone than white or pink noise like a steady, heavy rainfall. Rather than for sleeping, brown noise is actually great for improving your thinking skills, so it’s ideal to listen to while working or studying.