diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index c4bdbda..64fadf6 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -88,6 +88,8 @@ Require the module:
 -- require *after* `beautiful.init` or the theme will be inconsistent!
 local pulse = require("pulseaudio_widget")
 
+-- Optionally, change the notification timeout default of 1 second to 5.
+pulse.notification_timeout_seconds = 5
 ```
 
 Add the widget to your layout:
diff --git a/pulseaudio_widget.lua b/pulseaudio_widget.lua
index 71eaf92..ba3923e 100644
--- a/pulseaudio_widget.lua
+++ b/pulseaudio_widget.lua
@@ -74,7 +74,12 @@ function widget:notify(v)
     naughty.destroy(self.notification, naughty.notificationClosedReason.dismissedByCommand)
   end
 
-  self.notification = naughty.notify({text=msg, timeout=1})
+  self.notification = naughty.notify(
+    {
+      text=msg,
+      timeout=self.notification_timeout_seconds
+    }
+  )
 
 end
 
@@ -177,6 +182,7 @@ function widget:init()
   end
 
   self.mixer = "pavucontrol"
+  self.notification_timeout_seconds = 1
 
   self.connection = pulse.get_connection(address)
   self.core = pulse.get_core(self.connection)