And, newly obligatory link to the GDC talk where the artist explains his technique.

http://www.gdcvault.com/play/1023586/8-Bit-8-Bitish-Graphics

this talk is one of my favorites from recent memory, seriously recommend for any graphics enthusiasts.

Would be hard to sleep in those houses with that waterfall crashing ad infinitum...

We stayed in a mountain bungalow during summer vacation, there was a waterfall close enough to hear (and be loud) but far enough away that it's noise sounded like a pleasant version of TV static.

I had my best night's sleep in years. My theory was that it drowned out ambient bumps and crashes that usually wake me up at night.

I recall camping at some relatives that had a waterfall near enough that you heard it any time you were outside. After about the second day or so you hardly even noticed.

As a white noise lover, that would be completely awesome sleep for me :-)

Water sounds are usually very relaxing.