Unexpected noises can easily disturb sleep. Some people find that the neutral sound of white noise can minimize these disturbances and help them sleep better, but this may not be the case for everyone.
What Is White Noise?
White noise refers to a noise that contains all frequencies across the spectrum of audible sound in equal measure. Because white noise spans multiple bands of sound, it is sometimes referred to as broadband noise. Anecdotally, people often liken white noise to the static that comes from an untuned radio or television.
Researchers have studied the effect of white noise on humans for many years, finding evidence it can reduce crying in infants, improve work performance, and potentially help counteract symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
White Noise vs. Pink Noise
Like white noise, pink noise is a broadband sound containing components from across the sound spectrum. Pink noise contains sounds within each octave, but the power of its frequencies decreases by three decibels with each higher octave. As a result, pink noise sounds lower pitched than white noise. Researchers have compared the sound of pink noise to the noise produced by a waterfall.
White Noise vs. Brown Noise
Brown noise, often called red noise, is another broadband sound like white and pink noises. Similar to pink noise, brown noise contains sounds from every octave of the sound spectrum, but the power behind frequencies decreases with each octave. This decrease is twice as great as that in pink noise, resulting in a sound people perceive as deeper than either white or pink noise. In research trials, people have said brown noise reminds them of the sound of rainfall or a shower.
Source: Sleep Foundation
