Some also have additional features, such as a night light, timer function, or alarm clock, that make them even more versatile. We tested 38 popular sleep sound machines to find out which ones are truly superior. Sound machines come in all shapes and sizes these days, and they often include a variety of sound options, including white noise, fan sounds, and nature sounds. “Also, a particular repetitive sound can help train the brain to prepare to enter rest and sleep time.” “If you regularly deal with loud external noises such as in a busy city at night, a snoring bed partner, or noises from neighbors, sound machines can mask and make these disruptive noises less noticeable,” explains sleep medicine expert Dr. There are many tactics you can try in order to get some rest, and one option that many people swear by is using a white noise or sound machine for sleep. If falling asleep seems like an uphill battle, you’re not alone in your late night woes - celebrities like Lindsey Vonn, Taye Diggs, and even Beyoncé have all spoken about their sleep struggles.