soundproofing

[pimlico]

I live in a ground floor flat. The upstairs lady is not noisy but her floors are! She has carpet down but her bedroom is above mine and she goes to bed later than me and I can hear every movement which keeps me awake. We are both tenants and we know that the landlord will not do anything. Is there anything I can put on my ceiling that will absorb the sound? Easy-ish DIY?

[rampart]

I should think there is something you could tack up there. Perhaps a foam matting, tacked up with a staple gun so you could easily remove it later. You might be able to cover the padding with a sheet or something to make it a bit more decorative.

This is a bit elaborate, but here is a ceiling decor:

http://decoratingbyknight.com/ceiling_chair_decorations.htm

You might also use a small fan to run at night to make a little additional noise, called white noise, which helps level out other sounds.

Good luck!

[pimlico]

thankyou rampart, that's very helpful. I seem to remember there's a machine you can buy which emits white noise? Wonder if that works?

[pega]

just a thought how many rooms have you could you not change say where lounge  to bedroom I think you would be in your rights to inform landlord could put it that not sleeping and health and safety, if you both say noise is disturbing  worth a try could ask citizens advice centre about it if floors shouldn't be noisy.  

[pimlico]

I know I sound completely crazy, but what about putting carpet tiles on the ceiling??? It would be reasonably cheap. Would it a) look stupid and b) reduce the upstairs noise?