White noise and Sleep: this is what you should know
If you fall under the second category, don’t fret. There is a way of “masking” those sounds in a way that also promotes healthier and longer sleep. For this, you’ll be needing white noise. If the concept is new to you, here’s a quick breakdown of what it is exactly.
What is White Noise?
According to sleepjunkies.com white noise is sound with an amplitude that remains consistent throughout the audible frequency range. It could be the sound created by your fan, your air conditioner, or even your air purifier. Anything that remains consistent and is soothing. Different people require different types of white noise, so finding out what works for you is the first step.
Do note that radio and TV static, whilst considered genuine white noise, isn’t as pleasant because it comes with high-frequency energy. The most common white noises that help with inducing sleep, include:
- Nature or environment sounds. This includes the sound of waves, rain, wind, chirpings birds, crickets, and so on.
- Some people sleep better whilst listening to certain soundscapes such as the murmur of a café crowd, the sound of a campfire, the hum of an airplane interior, and so on.
Much like light, did you know that there are also other “noise” colors aside from white? There’s such a thing as brown noise, grey noise, violet noise, red noise, and even pink noise! These colors pertain to a type of spectral density and can be applied in physics, acoustics, and engineering. Pink noise is also being studied as another possible sleep aid and the results have been promising thus far!
How Does it Work?
We often think that our bedrooms needs to be devoid of noise in order for us to sleep better. In fact, some of us will go through great lengths in order to ensure that. So, by adding white noise, wouldn’t it be counterintuitive? Not at all. See, what it does is blend all of the environmental noise together and creates a consistent frequency which makes your brain pay less attention to the disturbances.
Our sense of hearing has developed its own alarm system, according to neuroscientist Seth S. Horowitz, and this system continues to function even while we’re asleep. We can get used to environmental noise, unless it triggers this system. This is also why some people can fall asleep in the middle of a noisy classroom or while watching a movie at the cinema. The key is the context of the sound and not its volume—that is the thing that triggers the alarm and keeps us awake.
Known Health Benefits of White Noise
Does White Noise make you sleep better
Aside from being an effective sleep aid, there are other known health benefits that come with using white noise in your everyday routines.
- Looking to meditate? White noise creates the right environment by masking environmental sounds. It gets your brand to focus and improves mental clarity.
- Boosts concentration. A study has reported on the positive effects it has for boosting concentration and cognitive performance in ADHD patients. In fact, some workplaces use white noise to reduce distractions brought on by chatter and other sounds.
- Reduces tinnitus. If you have this, then you know how annoying it can be to experience the constant ringing in your ears. Having a white noise machine can help mask that and produce a more calming sound.
Can Alexa play rain sounds all night?
Music vs. White Noise
Music has shown great results as a sleep aid and can even improve the quality of our sleep, but it does not have the ability to mask sounds. It can also trigger an emotional response, which can hinder sleep. That said, it is very effective as a relaxation tool!
White Noise for Babies
One thing to consider, especially if you plan on using white noise for your infant, is to make sure that you limit the volume to around 50dB. The white noise machine should also be placed away from their sleeping area. Lastly, use it sparingly. It is not recommended for use every single night when it comes to newborns.
