Thanks to all so far for the suggestions. The main problem is that we live in a high rise building (wonderful view!) but there is often someone doing renos – annoying hammering or drilling; fire alarm testing; industrial mowers, hedge trimmers, blowers, etc. These are they types of unpredictable noise I am trying to find a way of minimizing.
have you tried ear plugs?
also make sure you maintain your circadian rhythm - e.g. bright light during the night, and as much darkness during the day
Yes, Agro, have tried ear plugs. Have found them uncomfortable and they don’t block out enough noise. Yes, have read up on the circadian rhythms, melatonin, etc. Have good block out curtains for this reason.
I have some brand new (unopened) panasonic noise cancelling headphones that I bought in Japan for sale if you want them.
RP-HC30 they'll block out 75% of outside noise and you don't need to listen to music for them to work.
I hadn’t heard about these before so will look into them. Have done a google search on noise cancelling headphones, however, they seem to block out ambient noise rather than erratic noises. Will check them out further and see if I can try a demo somewhere. Thanks for the suggestion, Sam, and will PM if it looks promising.
Hi Sails,
Have you tried having the radio on, say ABC Classic FM on low volume?
Or a CD of something ordered and gentle like Mozart?
I hadn't thought of the radio, Julia. Unfortunately music seems to keep me awake, but might be able to find something more monotone on the radio. Will experiment!
…The noise of the fan (which does not interfere with sleep) drowned out the noise of the builders in the morning.
….
Ah yes, free white noise! It’s getting colder here in this part of the world so just the noise of a fan on a CD might work OK.