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The Connection Between White Noise and Your Sleep?

Updated: Aug 12, 2022

White noise is the name given to any sound that resembles white light. The term is most often used to refer to the sounds produced by mechanical or electronic devices, but it can also be applied more broadly to include any sounds that share certain properties with a white-noise machine: for example, rushing traffic or waves breaking on a beach.

a microphone

White noise has been proven to help people sleep better and stay asleep longer compared with silence or other types of background noise (like music).


So, what is white noise?

So, what is white noise?

The term “white noise” refers to a sound that's continuous and has a similar sound level at all frequencies. It sounds like static on the radio or TV when there's no signal, but for humans it also creates an effect that can be soothing and relaxing.

White noise is used in many ways by doctors and therapists to help with concentration, relaxation and sleep. White noise can also be used to mask other sounds around you such as traffic or even loud neighbors.




How does it work?

White noise is a form of background noise that helps drown out other noises.

A woman hearing white noise from a TV

It's called "white" because it's like a waterfall, which has multiple frequencies all at once (if you've ever heard the sound of water falling over rocks), and hence appears white when represented on a graph. All other sounds are made up of specific frequencies, but white noise is random—just like the sound of waves crashing against one another or wind blowing through trees.

It's easy to think that white noise would be annoying—and it can be, if you're not used to hearing it. But humans have been using this type of sound for many centuries as a way to relax and sleep better. Even today people use earplugs or play music with similar properties during therapy sessions in order for their brains to associate those soothing sounds with peace and relaxation rather than alertness and stress (which is why you need headphones).



Finding the right white noise for you.

the noise of dripping water

You've probably heard the term "white noise" before, but what does it actually mean? White noise is a generic term that refers to any sound that fills up all of your auditory spectrum, no matter how high or low in pitch. The easiest way to create white noise is by turning on your faucet and letting it drip for a few minutes. If you're looking for something more portable and easy-to-use, you can find many options at home improvement stores like Home Depot or Lowe's.

Another benefit of white noise is that it blocks out other noises in the background like traffic from outside your window, or even just sounds from inside your house like fans and refrigerators running so that you don't wake up as often throughout the night due to external factors (e.g., someone's snoring).


Where can you find white noise?

If you're looking for white noise, there are many sources. Most people use a white noise machine—a small device that produces the sound of rushing air or water and can be purchased at most electronics stores. But more recently, apps have become an increasingly popular option. There are also websites like YouTube where you can play different types of white noise online. Here is a shout out to my channel I love these types of sounds and I actually specifying my channel in them, feel free to go check it out. (free promo what can I say). [youtube.com/traveltosleep]

There's really no wrong way to go about finding the perfect source of white noise. If your first choice doesn't fit your needs, try another one until you find one that does! The important thing is just being consistent with whatever method you choose so that it becomes a part of your nightly routine.

Try to find the best sound for your habits, needs and environment.

The best white noise is one that's consistent, soothing and not too loud or soft. You can find that if you find the right sound for your habits, needs and environment. If this sounds like a lot of work to you, don t worry: we've got you covered!

alarm clock going

For example: If you're someone who wakes up with an alarm clock every morning at 6:00am, then the best white noise is something loud enough to wake your brain up but not so loud that it feels jarring when it comes on. If a person can't wake up without a thunderous alarm blasting in their ear every morning at 6AM then they probably shouldn't bother trying to use white noise because it won't help them fall asleep (and it'll just be annoying).

White noise isn't just static noise. It describes a range of sounds that can help people fall asleep and stay asleep more easily.

White noise isn't just static noise. It describes a range of sounds that can help people fall asleep and stay asleep more easily.

When you're trying to fall asleep, your brain can be hyper-aware of even the slightest sound in the room. A variety of noises—from the ticking clock on your nightstand to an air conditioner humming in another room—can cause your brain to wake up and pay attention to those sounds instead of letting you drift off peacefully. White noise helps drown out these distracting stimuli by creating a soothing background sound that keeps your ears preoccupied with something else entirely: listening intently for changes in pitch or frequency, which has been shown to induce relaxation and calmness throughout the body.



If you want to improve your sleep, try white noise. It can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Plus, it's not just a static noise—it's a range of sounds that can help people with different habits, needs and environments find the best sound for them!

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