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Why Does White Noise Help You Sleep?
White noise is actually very interesting. It contains all frequencies of sound at equal intensity. That means that it’s very good at “canceling out” other noises; your brain is tricked into ignoring them because they’re already hearing it.
In that way, white noise doesn’t just cover up other sounds; it actually neutralizes it as far as your brain is concerned, meaning you can relax and sleep better since outside sounds and distractions won’t be heard.
What Does White Noise Sound Like?
Do you know when you tune a radio to a frequency where no station tunes in? White noise sounds kind of like that: radio static, only a bit less jarring.
Once again, true white noise is a combination of all frequencies. Some people have also described it as a constant, unchanging wind.
Many people refer to other types of ambient noise as “white noise.” Many white noise machines also offer settings like gentle rainfall, ocean waves, a dryer with clothes in it, and other soothing sounds.
However, none of these are truly white noise – it’s more of a common term used to apply to a category of noise in general.
Is It Good to Sleep with White Noise?
It is very good to sleep with white noise. As discussed above, white noise combines all frequencies of noise so that it doesn’t just cover other outside noises, it actually blends with them.
In other words, your brain is already hearing every frequency at an even, consistent volume. That means that if outside sounds try to interfere with your sleep, it will be less likely that they are successful.
For another thing, white noise–or some kind of ambient sound–is helpful for some people when they try to sleep. While you might prefer the sound of a fan or ocean waves or even a rainforest, white noise is better, and you should try to adjust to it if possible.
The chances are good that if you have a white noise machine in your home already or an app on your smartphone, it has a regular white noise setting that you can choose. No need to download or purchase anything new.
What Does White Noise Do to Your Brain?
Since it contains all frequencies on the auditory spectrum, you might assume that white noise would stimulate or even confuse your brain, but it has the opposite effect.
Simply put, it doesn’t register as very “interesting” to your brain, in the same way that pleasing music or a loud crash would.
In other words, it’s loud enough to neutralize other random noises your ears register while you’re sleeping but not enough to stimulate your brain and keep it awake. Another thing to keep in mind about white noise or any ambient sound you use is that your brain is highly adaptable.
It will get used to the white noise over time and will try to tune it out and hear other noises instead. For that reason, you may want to experiment with different color tones once in a while.
Does White Noise Reduce Stress or Anxiety?
There aren’t a lot of studies on whether white noise reduces stress and anxiety outside of helping promote good sleep. In some ways, it depends on each person. One thing we do know, though, is that white noise can increase concentration.
If you’re an especially jumpy person, then you might be susceptible to being frightened by sudden noises, thereby spiking your stress hormones. Using white noise during the day when you’re working, studying, or even going about your day-to-day activities might be helpful.
One factor to keep in mind is that if white noise helps you sleep, that will reduce your stress or anxiety. Better sleep is associated with better mental health all the way around, so even if it doesn’t create calm during your day, you’ll feel better overall–physically, emotionally, and mentally–with a better night’s sleep.
What Color Noise is Best for Anxiety?
Experts are still debating the answer to these questions, but the general consensus, or the most popular solution, tends to be that pink noise is best for anxiety.
Compared to white noise, pink noise still contains most of the frequencies on the auditory spectrum, but with a greater emphasis on lower tones. It sounds a lot like white noise, only with some bass added.
It’s also airier and sounds almost like a waterfall, which can be an energizing yet calming sound, which makes it perfect for concentration and easing anxiety. It masks outside noises well, which may be helpful for you if you’re jumpy.
What Does Purple Noise Do?
Purple or violet noise has a finite frequency range that gradually increases over time. It rises at a rate of six decibels per octave. It’s effective for blocking higher frequency sounds if your ears are sensitive to those.
It also provides a bit more stimulation for your brain since it is variable. Finally, it’s better for some people with tinnitus or hearing loss.