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Doctors React to Sleep Routines: How Much Light and Noise Do You Prefer?

Some need complete silence to sleep, while others fall asleep to soothing music or a calming podcast.

Lauren Smith, MAKaren Hovav, MD, FAAP
Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP
Updated on October 3, 2025
Featuring Preeti Parikh, MD, Stacia Woodcock, PharmDReviewed by Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP | October 3, 2025

While some people need complete silence to fall asleep, others like to listen to music, a calming podcast, or ambient sounds. People also have varying preferences when it comes to the amount of light in the room.

In this video, people confess how much noise and light they prefer when sleeping, and healthcare providers share their reactions and give tips for better sleep.

References

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Lauren Smith, MA
Written by:
Lauren Smith, MA
Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.
Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP
Reviewed by:
Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP
Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP, has more than 15 years of experience as an attending pediatrician. She has worked in a large academic center in an urban city, a small community hospital, a private practice, and an urgent care clinic.
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