White noise or brown noise? Know which will help you sleep better

Call it a curse of a fast-paced generation that is immersed in a constant ringing of the hustle and immeasurable screen-time, several people nowadays are struggling to have sound sleep. Insomnia, exhaustion, anxiety, and depression are only a few names of the conditions they are developing as the sleeplessness takes over their life. However, lack of sleep doesn’t do well for the well-being of the body, nor the mind. Hence, the importance of a good night’s sleep is beyond any argument.

From the quality of your mattress to disruptive outside noise, a lot of factors can prevent you from getting a sound sleep. There are plenty of sleep hacks to help one get a good night’s sleep. However, if you're still searching for the final piece of your sleep routine, some soothing sounds might be your best companion.

Paying gentle, relaxing sounds while you sleep can help to cancel out unnecessary noises that would otherwise wake you up throughout the night. The question is what sounds or frequencies are best suited to help you sleep! Wondering what kind of sound to play that might help you sleep well at night? There are mainly three kinds of noises that work as catalysts when one needs sleep.

What is a colour noise?

Colour noise is a term used to describe the power spectrum of a sound signal, which includes its strength and frequency distribution. Different blends of sound frequencies are categorized as distinct noise colours, and each colour has different properties. Different noise colours have unique benefits, depending on whether you're a light sleeper, an insomniac or something else entirely. There are several colours of sound, including white, brown, pink, and blue. However, amongst all of them, white and brown noises are the best when it comes to catalyse sleep.

White noise

The term ‘white noise’ comes from the concept of white light, which is a combination of all colours in the visual spectrum. White noise is a sound that contains all audible frequencies in equal measure, creating a steady, static-like sound. It's also known as broadband noise because it spans multiple bands of sound. White noise is often used to mask out unwanted noise, Help people fall asleep, Block out noise from a party or other event, and Calm a person who is feeling anxious. Studies have shown that white noise can reduce crying in infants, Improve work performance, and potentially help counteract symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). White noise is generated from ordinary places like TV or radio static or a noisy air conditioner.


Brown noise

Brown noise is a type of sound characterised by a deep, rumbling quality, where lower frequencies are emphasized, creating a sound similar to a strong waterfall or heavy rain, and is often used for relaxation and sleep aid; it's named after ‘Brownian motion’ which describes the random movement of particles, as the sound mimics that erratic pattern across different frequencies, with lower frequencies being louder than higher ones. Rainfall, thunder, and showers with strong water pressure contain brown noise.

Pink noise

Pink noise is a constant, low-pitched sound that contains all audible frequencies, but with more power in the lower frequencies. It's similar to the sound of rain, wind, or waves, and is often used to help people sleep or work by blocking out distracting sounds. Pink noise contains all frequencies that humans can hear, from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. However, Pink noise has a lower pitch than white noise. It is used in nature sounds, to mask unwanted sounds, and to equalize loudspeakers and instruments at concerts. Pink noise may help with sleep and may provide some benefits for people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Blue noise

Blue noise is a type of sound with a consistent, high-pitched quality. It has a high frequency and increases in intensity by about three decibels with each octave. Blue noise sounds brighter and sharper than other sounds, similar to the hiss of a spray can or the buzz of a mosquito. Blue noise is used in professional settings, such as audio engineering to create a sense of space, and in some therapeutic contexts. However, its sharpness makes it less ideal for sleep or relaxation. Blue noise is sometimes considered high-frequency white noise.

White noise vs Brown noise – which is better?

Brown noise sounds more natural and can be easier on the ears, especially if you're sensitive to sound. Some experts say it ultimately comes down to personal preference -- maybe you like the sound of a running fan to fall asleep (white noise), or you prefer the sound of waves crashing against the shore (brown). Users, particularly those with ADHD, state that listening to brown noise helps calm their minds and improves their sleep quality.

However, as per experts, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some might like falling asleep to the sound of a running fan which is white noise; some might prefer the sound of waves crashing against the shore which is brown noise.
Video