Brown noise produces soothing, steady sounds similar to the gentle hum of an airline jet. Popular on TikTok and Instagram, brown noise has a plethora of benefits, including increased productivity and undisturbed sleep.
White noise for sleep
Because white noise encompasses all of the frequencies any person can possibly hear (about 20 Hertz to 20 thousand Hertz), it holds the potential to block out any outside sound. The consistency of white noise creates a tried-and-true masking effect, which can help people fall asleep faster.
Coined by a 19th century botanist, brown noise emits higher energies at lower frequencies — think strong winds and low thunder. Studies show that brown noise can help induce sleep and relaxation, making it a strong fit for those struggling to fall asleep in noisy areas or drown out their own internal thoughts.
Brown noise lowers the higher frequencies even more. It's a bit “rougher” than pink noise and resembles the roar of a river current or strong wind. Common benefits associated with brown noise are relaxation, improved focus, and of course, sleep improvement.
There isn't likely to be any danger in listening to brown noise for, say, eight hours at a time, Dr. Berlau said, unless someone plays the sound at unsafe volumes (listening to noise above 70 decibels over a long period of time can damage your hearing).
Brown noise triggers relaxation because of its similarities to the brain's resting state, Sarow says. The low frequencies of brown noise create a deeper sound that many people find soothing. There are even brown noise playlists curated with babies in mind because it's said to mimic the sound inside a mother's womb.
One way to think of brown noise is as white noise's more relaxed cousin. Its consistent low-level rumble brings things like rainstorms and the comforting sounds of crashing waves to mind. As such, it's become a popular tool for managing A.D.H.D, anxiety, insomnia, and other stress conditions.
Though many experts find nighttime white noise to be a safe and effective treatment for restlessness, some studies have suggested that repeated use of white noise could be harmful to the body, especially for those who suffer from tinnitus, or ringing in the ears.
Background noise, particularly brown noise, drowns out the distracting chatter of their thoughts. Background noise in general can help people with ADHD when they struggle to focus or relax, because it helps them concentrate on what they're doing rather than racing thoughts or other distractions.
Green noise is a natural and effective way to improve sleep quality and promote relaxation. Its unique sound profile mimics the natural environment, making it a soothing and calming sound that can mask unwanted noises and promote deep sleep.
Gray noise is used to treat hyperacusis (intense sensitivity to everyday sounds,) and tinnitus (ringing in the ears.) It is also useful in hearing studies, helping researchers assess how a particular person's hearing differs from the average.
Reduce brain waves
Reducing brain waves is key to falling asleep faster. Pink noise is a great option that can help reduce brain waves. Pink noise is a primary choice for people who want something deeper than white noise.
Often, having a 'standby' sound keep your brain company as you fall asleep is better than silence because silence is more easily and effectively broken with random sounds. When you have sounds playing, the interruption is less noticeable and may not interrupt your sleep at all.
People who find their focus or concentration improves with low-level background brown noise may just be benefiting from “sound masking”: “The sound blocks out other sounds so you're less distracted.” This is probably also why people report improved sleep with brown noise. There may be some placebo effect, too.
Anecdotal evidence points to the benefit of brown noise making one to feel calm. It is also known that feeling calm helps to better resist distraction and have lower impulsivity, leading to better task focus.”
“With brown noise, you can hear every frequency that the ear can detect, so it can create an immersive experience that helps to mask other thoughts, meaning you can focus on one clear thing, such as relaxing, reading or sleeping,” he explains.
Many people find brown noise to be more soothing and less disruptive than white noise — its natural sound qualities make it easier on the ears and create a lullaby-like feeling. Brown noise also has low frequencies that are helpful for calming the mind and body, making it easier to fall asleep.
Blue Noise
It's the opposite of brown noise, meaning it's mostly treble with no bass. Blue noise can test audio equipment and speakers to make sure they sound pristine – even at higher frequencies. Blue noise isn't good for helping you fall asleep or focus.
The reduction in amplitude as frequency increases is more marked in Brown Noise, so it contains even less higher frequency and more low frequency sounds than Pink Noise. In nature examples of Brown Noise includes water in rapids, heavy rain and the sounds of waves on the seashore.
"Brown noise can sound like a really uneventful ocean surf," Nicolino says. It has more bass notes than white noise, making it deeper and more pleasant to listen to, especially when trying to fall asleep. "People seem to prefer the lower-toned sounds," Dr. Pelayo says.
Brown noise has a low, natural sound, so many people find it easier on the ear than white noise. Examples of brown noise include rushing waterfalls or rivers, heavy rainfall, and rumbling thunder. This sound frequency may help mask ringing in your ears, promote relaxation, and even improve focus.
While many people are familiar with white noise, there is a new color of noise gaining attention: pink noise. Researchers are studying pink noise for its potential to help with sleep, memory, and more. In fact, it may have benefits not only as sound therapy, but also as gentle brain stimulation.
Pink noise is considered a more balanced listening experience compared to white noise because it dampens the volume of the higher frequencies on the sound spectrum. Basically, it accounts for our natural sensitivity to those frequencies.