Play it by ear

As well as helping raise your mood, certain sounds can also help with evoking a sense of calmness, especially before bedtime. ‘Common sounds that encourage relaxation include rainfall and running water – due to the calming contrasting tones; crackling fire – as it evokes a sense of cosiness; and also birdsong,’ explains Silentnight’s leading sleep expert, Hannah Shore. ‘Birdsong is known for being stochastic, meaning it’s made up of lots of random sounds. The lack of pattern or rhythm helps the brain to switch off.’ Search on Youtube for free for a sound that calms you.