The New York Times - The magic of white noise

Three of our picks for best white noise machines, including the LectroFan EVO and Yogasleep Dohm Nova, in front of a blanket on a purple background.

Photo: Michael Hession

It turns out that sometimes, boring is good. White noise machines can help lull you to sleep by blurring away noisy distractions with consistent, boring sounds, like a gentle hum or a mellow waterfall. As one sleep researcher put it to our experts, the brain registers “boring” as “safe.” And humans need to feel safe in order to fall asleep easily. After our latest round of white noise machine testing, we have two new recommendations.

‌

For better sleep→

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more ›

Plus: A great deal on a quilt we love

A neatly folded The Company Store Company Cotton Voile Quilt, shown in Pacific blue option.

Photo: Michael Murtaugh

Senior staff writer Jackie Reeve has been a quilter for nearly 20 years, and she says that this hand-stitched blanket—a pick in our new guide to quilts—is “the most impressive mass-produced quilt” she’s tested. It has a simple design, and it’s made with high-quality materials and beautiful craftsmanship.

‌

Get it on sale for $89 off right now→

What’s new at Wirecutter

A colorful assortment of drinking glasses.

Life’s too short to use boring glassware

Our favorite drinking glasses include a charming tapered tumbler and a luxe juice cup.

Close-up of a person wearing a pair of high-top Converse sneakers.

Turn your lace-up shoes into slip-ons with these elastic laces

Pull on even the most finicky high-top boots—without unlacing.

Three unlit smart bulbs surrounding a lit smart bulb in a simple wooden fixture.

A simple hack to make your kitchen great for entertaining?

Smart lighting.

One last thing: The best gifts for new moms

Best gifts for new moms, including Jeni's Ice Cream, a cookbook, an eye mask, a swaddle, and an organic skin balm.

Photo: Michael Murtaugh

If you’re looking for ways to pamper and lovingly help someone during those early days of parenthood (or you’re getting ready to celebrate someone’s first Mother’s Day), these gifts are sure to delight. And yes, a white noise machine to help them capture some precious Zzz’s is a great place to start.

‌

Including a nap dress and swaddles in sweet patterns→

By the way, a white noise machine might help you focus at work, too.

You can reach the Wirecutter newsletters team at newsletters@wirecutter.com. We can’t always respond, but we do love to hear from you.

Was this email kindly forwarded to you? Sign up here to get this newsletter in your inbox.

Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance.

You are receiving this email because you signed up for

Wirecutter’s Newsletter.

Getting too many emails from us?

To stop receiving The Recommendation, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, manage your email preferences.

Wirecutter, Inc.

620 Eighth Avenue. New York, NY 10018  

Privacy Policy | California Notices | Terms of Service | Contact Us

The New York Times - The magic of white noise

Older messages

Thursday Briefing: Israel seems poised to invade Rafah

I’m as smooth as a seal

Wednesday Briefing: Senate votes on Ukraine aid

A fantastic pencil

Tuesday Briefing: The Trump trial opens

You Might Also Like

What A Day: Cam-pain post-mortem

The Trans-Rights Showdown Heading to the Supreme Court

An on-sale electric toothbrush we love

Wednesday Briefing: Israel approves Hezbollah cease-fire deal

Amazon’s climate impacts draw employee concern in new survey

Sending gratitude and thanks

☕ You’re gonna be popular

☕ A warehouse divided

Trump's controversial pick for Labor secretary.

GeekWire Gala: Early-bird pricing ends Saturday, Nov. 30!