Sounds to Sleep to

What do you listen to as you fall asleep at night?

When I was very little I would listen to books on tape, but now I’m happiest if I have my window open and can drift off to the ambient city noise. I also really like the cool breeze from the dormer over my bed.

Here are the noises that sound like home, that I’m going to miss in France, and that I find really comforting in night darkness.

• Train whistles
• Drag racing
• Dogs barking
• Sirens
• Cicadas (in the summer)
• General traffic noise
• Logan airport planes
• Bachata and reggaeton music from passing cars and neighborhood parties

I actually grew up (until I was two) across the street from a firehouse, so sirens are pretty de rigueur. They hardly even register for me.

It’s funny how your surroundings have such an impact on what you find reassuring/familiar.