Steady sound may feel better than unpredictable sound.
Tighten or cushion rattling blinds and vents.
Move the bed away from the busiest wall when possible.
Separate sharp sounds from steady sound
A steady fan, air purifier, or quiet background sound can feel easier than random hallway noise, traffic bursts, or building sounds. The goal is not to drown out everything. It is to reduce contrast so the room feels less jumpy.
Use soft surfaces
Bare floors, empty walls, and hard blinds can make sound bounce. Rugs, curtains, fabric headboards, upholstered chairs, and even a fuller bookshelf can soften a room. You do not need to overdecorate. A few soft surfaces in the right places can change the feel.
Check small household sources
Loose blinds, rattling vents, buzzing chargers, squeaky doors, and clicking pipes can become more obvious at night. Fixing one small repeat sound can make a room feel calmer than adding more background sound.
Apartment and shared-wall comfort
If noise comes through a wall, place taller furniture, fabric items, or a padded headboard along that side when practical. Avoid placing the bed directly against the noisiest surface if the room layout gives you another option. Even a small shift can reduce how exposed the bed feels.