Sound of rain or being on a train does help me sleep, in reality I spend at least fifteen minutes every night quietly watching the night-sky, removing thoughts that would normally keep me awake.
Finding the right frame of mind helps most nights, not always still have nights of turning the bed upside down and getting no sleep whatsoever.
Formal meditation is not something I ever tried so interesting to learn this worked for you, any unusual sound keeps me awake.
!WINE
Yes, the right frame of mind definitely helps. I love that you spend fifteen minutes each night unwinding - that most make sleep so much easier!
Meditation isn't only useful at night - sometimes I use it during the day too if things get a bit much. It's a good way to just get some time for myself :D
Daytime I escape into the garden with the dog, he explores giving me time to switch off, fresh air works wonders along with warmth of the sun in small doses....