Sleep disruptions are not caused by constant noise, but by sudden changes in the intensity of noise. When we are asleep, our brains are constantly picking up and decyphering sounds around us. However, abrupt changes from loud to high will startle you awake or prevent a person from getting any sleep.
White noise, pink noise, or brown noise can help you get better sleep by masking sound, thus reducing its intensity.
I have discussed in another post white and pick noise. However, what is brown noise? Is it better for sleep, and how does it compare to white noise and pink noise?
Brown noise is one of the colors of noise.
However, unlike white and pink noise that get their names from actual colors, Brown noise gets its name from Scottish botanist Robert Brown. Robert Brown is known for the discovery of the erratic random movement of microscopic particles in a fluid, as a result of continuous bombardment from molecules of the surrounding medium. This phenomenon is what is referred to as Brownian Motion.
The noise produced by Brownian motion is what is referred to as Brown noise, Brownian noise, or also called red noise.
White noise has equal power in the range of its frequencies. Pink noise, on the other hand, has less high frequencies and stronger lower frequencies, which makes it deeper than white noise.
Brown noise is stripped more of the high frequencies than pink noise and has, even more, lower frequencies.
Brown noise is often compared to a strong river current, strong waterfalls, heavy rain, strong wind, or thunder. The addition of lower frequencies or bass in Brwon noise makes it pleasant to listen to.
Brown noise should not be confused with the brown note, which is said to cause people to lose control of their bowels and poop. The claims are still not substantiated.
Different studies and research have been conducted on white noise and pink noise. Both these sounds are effective at inducing and improving the quality of sleep. Other benefits, such as memory improvement have also been associated with pink noise.
For Brown noise, however, there are no studies/research or facts that show if it is better for sleeping.
However, the deep sound qualities of Brown noise make it a great sound for relaxing and sleeping. Other benefits linked to Brown noise are improved focus, relaxation and meditation, and increased reading comprehension.
If you would like to try out Brown noise, this Smoothed Brown Noise by Jason Lewis is a good start. For sound machines, check out the Sound+Sleep SE or the LectroFan Classic.
Wrapping Up
To get better sleep, background noise like brown, white, and pink can be utilized.
The best noise color for sleeping will vary from one person to another. There is a correct answer as to which is better to help you sleep. Giving each sound a try is a good place to start in pursuit of your best sound for sleeping.
Do you prefer white, pink, brown noise or even natural sounds?
Comment below with your reasons and help others make up their mind.
