I'm not sure if this belongs on this board, but it doesn't really fit on any others. If anything, I hope it's a cautionary tale for some of you who are looking into buying a home.
So, just to give you a back story. I'm a Nurse Practitioner in an Intensive Care Unit. I've been working night shift (8pm-8am) for the past 5 years, and have had no problems before this staying awake during my shift. While at work, I'm constantly in stressful medical situations that require me to be alert and on my game. Since I've been working night shift, I've obviously had to sleep during the day, which hasn't been a problem until recently.
About a year ago, my husband and I bought a townhouse in a family-friendly neighborhood. One of the things we loved most about the community was that there was a pool, a playground and a basketball court which we knew would be great when we have kids someday. The basketball court is right across the street from our house, which I initially thought would be great for when we decide to have children.
The first few months we had the house, I barely noticed the sounds from the basketball court, and it was rarely used. Then all of a sudden this group of teenage boys started using the basketball court for HOURS everyday. As soon as school lets out, they are out there until the sun goes down. They are shouting, heckling each other and playing music. The problem is that this has been keeping me awake all day when I should be sleeping before my shift. I've tried everything; ear plugs, a sound machine, a fan. I've tried sleeping in different rooms of the house, but the noise is just as loud in every room. It has been driving me crazy! I'm having problems staying awake at work where I need to be focused.
I know those boys have a right to be out there. They live in the community and I don't want to spoil their good time. Even if I asked them to keep it down, it's the noise of the basketball hitting the ground that drives me the most insane. But I can't keep going on like this. I've been so sleep deprived, and I know it's been effecting me at work.
Does anybody have any suggestions about any possible solutions?
Re: Random problem with neighbors
What time do you go to bed and what time are they starting their basketball?
I would try to sleep in a room that is as far away from the basketball court as possible, use a white noise machine and ear plugs. -ALL of them. (Oh, I see you hav
See if the HOA will plant tall shrubs or trees along the edge of the court to act as a sound buffer and to muffle the noises.
Replace windows with double or triple pane glass.
I think it will likely be on you to try to make changes to accomodate your needs. I agree with the triple pane windows as they can be pretty sound-proof. Maybe the sound machine or oscillating fan combined with earplugs and the triple