The second mechanism is the masking effect, which Kim simply describes as “masking environmental sounds and noises.” It’s like telling the body 'time to go to bed.’” “When people turn on the white noise machine,” she explains, “it could set the stage for promoting all these sleep related physiologic changes.

Kim explains the stimulus control mechanism as teaching yourself to respond to the external stimuli of various sounds. In her opinion, white noise machines are a great tool for some folks who have difficulties sleeping thanks to two main mechanisms of their functionality – stimulus control and noise masking – and why those might help you. Kim is “most passionate about helping people live a full life by managing mood and sleep difficulties,” and focuses on research, clinical work and psychoeducation to discover ways to help patients with these issues. Hyun “Monica” Kim, PhD, a scientist, researcher and assistant professor of medical psychology at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center. To help you understand a bit more about their purpose and utility, we spoke with Dr. White noise machines are hardly new, but their popularity remains steady as folks with issues falling asleep continue seeking out safe, easy ways to doze off each night.

Portable noise machine