To get a quality night's sleep, you must rest in a quiet space. The bedroom should be a peaceful sanctuary, but sounds from noisy neighbors and cars buzzing down the road can make it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep.
If you have this problem, know that you're not alone. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that noise pollution is one of the major causes of sleep disturbance.
Having thin walls and living close to busy streets are common factors of modern living. While you can't move your home away from the traffic or stop neighbors from talking, there are many ways to turn a noisy room into a quiet room so you can get a more peaceful rest.
One solution is to soundproof the room you sleep in. The goal here is to put several elements in place to diffuse and suppress sound.
This creates a tranquil space where you can enjoy a healthy bedroom routine. Another benefit is that your room will become a quiet space, so you don't disturb your neighbors.
What is Soundproofing?
Soundproofing is the process of blocking unwanted noises from leaving or entering a room or place. This can be achieved by using different types of insulating materials or double-glazed windows.
While music studio soundproofing is often done by a professional with a high level of training. It's possible to use a few simple techniques yourself to make your bedroom quieter.
How to Create a Quiet Bedroom?
Environmental noise may be a culprit if you're a light sleeper or struggle to fall asleep at night. Our mind needs quiet time to prepare itself to fall asleep. Take a look at these tips on how to soundproof your bedroom:
Seal the Door Frame
Doors are huge transmitters of soundwaves in any room. Many doors are made from cheap, thin material with a gap at the bottom.
If you have the budget, you can invest in a thicker, higher-quality door. If your budget is tight, add weight to your door with an acoustic sound board.
Install a draft sweep or door stopper to seal the gap at the bottom of the door. These can be purchased for relatively cheap at your local hardware store.
Install Thick Carpets
Thicker carpets do a great job of absorbing soundwaves and feel great underfoot. If you don't want carpet and enjoy a hardwood floor, lay down area rugs, especially in high-traffic areas. Rugs look great, provide warmth and slow down the floor wear process.
Invest in Acoustic Windows
Do your bedroom windows rattle when a large truck passes by? Consider investing in acoustic windows that'll reduce the amount of noise that comes into your room. Extra benefits of installing these types of windows include reducing cooling and heating bills and giving you an added layer of security.
Hang Heavy, Lined Curtains
Heavy, lined curtains do a fantastic job of soundproofing a room. Choose polyester, suede, velvet curtains, or thermal insulated curtains, that also help with sound absorption. If you have window blinds, these can stay if you prefer, and curtains can be layered over the top.
Seal Cracks and Holes
Take a look around your room to spot any small cracks or holes. You may find that the window sill needs extra caulking. Or, a plug socket could have gaps around the edges. Another idea is to assess which part of a room is the noisiest. Once you know, placing a piece of furniture in this area effectively absorbs and diffuses sound waves.
Extra Quiet Room Ideas for Your Home
Need more soundproofing tips for your home? Here are a few ideas to turn your home or apartment into a peaceful oasis.
Door Curtains
Do your roommates constantly chatter outside your door? Or maybe you live in an apartment with heavy footfall passing by every few minutes? Either way, an idea to make the room a bit quieter is to hang a door curtain. If you're on a budget, create your own or order door curtains from your local department store.
Add Extra Drywall
Drywall is one of the best ways to deaden soundwaves reverberating through the wall. It's an extremely affordable material and can be installed with a few basic tools you probably already have. But, if you struggle with DIY, ask your local building contractors to help you out with drywall installation.
Rearrange Furniture
Strategically placing furniture is effective at soundproofing a room. Large spaces particularly can bounce soundwaves around, and furniture adds density. Think about adding sofas, cushions, bookshelves, and tables into a room.
Use Window Plugs
Create a quiet family room by sealing a window with a plug. They can either be permanent or removable and help to create a quiet room where you can chill while watching movies or reading a book. The only downside with window plugs is that they do block the view. But, this is not needed for entertainment spaces.
Acoustic Wall Panels
Acoustic panels are traditionally used in cinema and music rooms. However, if you find it hard to get some quiet and rest in your home, these panels are worth considering. Place them on a wall adjacent to a noisy neighbor, and they should block voices and sounds you don't want to hear.
How to Make an Office Quiet?
The tips above are also very relevant if you're looking for quiet office ideas. Seal any room cracks, create barriers with strategically placed furniture and cover hard floors and walls. Soundwaves reflect off solid surfaces and can become a nuisance when trying to work.
Conclusion
Now you know how to turn any room in your home or office into a quiet oasis. Whether you live with your family, on your own, or with a group of friends, getting a good night's rest is essential. Visit BetterSleep on your phone for soothing music, guided meditations, and calming bedtime stories.
