What are the differences between white noise and brown noise?

You might be familiar with white noise, the consistent, static-like sounds that can mask disruptive noises and enhance your sleep. However, are you aware of brown noise? Recent studies indicate that this less recognised colour noise can also aid in soothing you or boosting the quality of your sleep. Read on to discover the differences between these two types of sounds and which might be most beneficial to helping you get a good night's sleep.

White Noise for Sleeping

White noise is a type of sound that equally distributes all frequencies within the audible spectrum. Given that white noise covers a wide range of sound bands, it's occasionally labelled as broadband noise. However, it is most often compared to the static sound emitted by a misaligned radio or television set. Research has shown a variety of benefits associated with white noise: It has been found to enhance sleep quality, making it easier for people to fall asleep and stay asleep; it has been shown to reduce crying in children, as it provides a soothing background noise that can help them settle; White noise can also help boost work performance, aiding in concentration and productivity; And finally, it has been linked to a reduction in symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), potentially offering a non-pharmacological intervention for those with the disorder.

Brown Noise for Sleep

Brown noise, also known as red noise, is a type of broadband sound, similar to white noise. It encompasses all sounds within the sound spectrum, but the intensity of the frequencies diminishes with each octave. This reduction is twice as significant as that in white noise, leading to a sound that individuals perceive as deeper than white noise. In experimental studies, participants have compared brown noise to the sound of falling rain or a running shower. Brown noise plays a significant role in the field of sound therapy, employed as a tool which is used to assist patients in achieving a state of relaxation. The deep, soothing quality of brown noise can help to create a calming environment, which can significantly reduce stress levels. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with anxiety, insomnia, or high levels of stress, providing them with a simple and natural method to relax and unwind.

Why you might use white or brown noise for sleeping

As previously discussed, white noise and brown noise are both types of noises that are used in various applications, including sound therapy and sleep aid. However, they differ in their frequency distribution and the way they sound to the human ear. White noise contains all frequencies within the range of human hearing in equal measure. This results in a constant, static-like sound, often compared to the sound of a television or radio that's not tuned to any station. On the other hand, brown noise, contains all frequencies as well, but the power decreases as the frequency increases. This results in a deeper, more mellow sound. The decrease in power per frequency is greater in brown noise than in white noise, which is why it sounds deeper to the human ear.

White noise and brown noises’ different sound characteristics allow them to be more suitable for different purposes. White noise is often used as a sleep aid alongside a comfortable pillow and mattress, as it can mask other sounds that might be disruptive. It's also used in offices to create a sound blanket, reducing the impact of distracting noises and helping to improve concentration and productivity. Brown noise, on the other hand, is often used for relaxation and stress reduction. Many people find its sound soothing. It's also used as a sleep aid, particularly for those who find white noise too harsh. Some people also use brown noise for meditation or as a calming background noise while studying or reading.

Tips for using white noise or brown noise to fall asleep

Regardless of whether you choose to listen to white noise or brown noise, here are ways you can get the most out of utilising sound for sleep:

·      Monitor the volume when using sleep sounds

·      Consider using a timer for your sleep sounds

·      Experiment with different types of noise

·      Create a sleep-friendly environment by keeping the lights off and maintaining a cooler room temperature

Have you used either of these noises to help you sleep? Let us know on Facebook and Instagram…