What is a soundscape?

I am frequently asked this question. People often use the word "noise" when they actually mean a soundscape, but there is a big difference. I always tell people to think of a soundscape as a specific audio track played to build a mental environment. It is an intentional layer of sound, like the steady swell of ocean waves or the rhythmic patter of rain on a roof.

Essentially, a soundscape track works as an acoustic blanket by filling the gaps in your room. By playing one, you mask the unpredictable "spikes" in your environment, such as a partner's snoring, a car horn blaring outside, or the low hum of a neighbor's television. Those sudden noises keep your brain on high alert and make deep sleep difficult to maintain.

While soundscapes are a great tool for reclaiming your rest, they only work if you remain comfortable. If you try to listen to a forest soundscape using earbuds that easily jam in your ear canal or bulky, traditional over-the-ear headphones that are impossible to wear while sleeping, you've just traded one distraction for another. We intentionally designed SleepPhones® headphones to solve this problem. Our headband uses a soft, comfortable fabric and ultra-thin, padded speakers so they stay out of the way. We strongly believe you should only hear the audio, not feel the hardware. Many customers report they almost forget they're wearing anything at all. When you play a curated track through a device you've forgotten you're wearing, you stop fighting your environment and start controlling it.

Find more answers on our "Frequently Asked Questions" page.