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Best Noise For Sleeping: Sounds To Fall Asleep To

Published: Nov 03, 2023
Updated: Sep 16, 2024
Best Noise For Sleeping: Sounds To Fall Asleep To
In this article
    Reading time
    12 min

    Getting a good night’s sleep can be a struggle for many people. Especially in a fast-paced world that is strongly dominated by technological advancements. If you are someone that struggles to sleep, you might want to try using some sleep aids such as relaxing sounds. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best noise for sleeping.

    Find out more about how using one of these can mask background noise and help you sleep better at night.

    Key Takeaways
    Silence is considered the most ideal sleep sound.
    Color noise, nature sounds and calming music can possibly help you to sleep better.
    Noise pollution can have negative effects on sleep quality and overall health. Using sleep sounds can help mask disruptive noises and improve sleep quality.
    Apart from sleep sounds, you can use sleep accessories such as a sound machine or comfortable bedding to improve sleep.
    Finding the right sound to fall asleep to can greatly improve your sleep quality.

    What Are Color Noises? 

    Color noise is a type of sound that is created by different frequencies blended together. This results in a soothing and calming effect on the mind and body.

    The beauty of color noise lies in its ability to drown out background noises, creating a peaceful environment for sleep. Different sound colors may sound different to the human ear. So, if you live in a noisy environment, this is an option that you might want to consider.

    White Noise

    White noise is a constant, patternless noise that combines all the audible frequencies. It can be produced by fans, air conditioners, or white noise machines.

    The soothing sound of white noise creates a consistent and relaxing environment. It allows your brain to relax and drift off to sleep. Studies have also shown that white noise may promote better sleep.

    Here is an example of a white noise:

    Pink Noise

    Moving on from white noise, pink noise is a color noise that is slightly lesser known than white noise. But still, it is a popular choice.

    Pink and white noise are quite similar with the exception that it has a lower pitch. It can be found in natural sounds like ocean waves or rainfall.

    Listen to this pink noise audio sample:

    Pink noise promotes deeper, more restorative sleep by regulating brain waves and increasing slow wave sleep (SWS). So, if you are looking for a more natural or soothing sound, consider using pink noise.

    Brown Noise

    Brown noise, also called red noise is found to help in improving cognitive function and promoting relaxation. Compared to pink noise, brown noise has more bass in lower frequencies and sounds deeper.

    Listen to this brown noise audio sample:

    Some ways that brown noise can help you achieve better sleep include:

    • Deep and soothing: Brown noise for sleep is a constant, low-frequency noise like the sound of heavy rain or thunderstorms. It creates a deep and soothing ambiance that can help you relax and unwind.
    • Masking outside noises: Brown noise has the ability to mask disruptive sounds from your environment. It allows you to drift off into a peaceful slumber.
    • Improved cognitive function: Research suggests that listening to brown noise may help improve cognitive function, enhancing your mental clarity and focus during the day.
    • Promotes a restful night’s sleep: Incorporating brown ambient noise into your sleep routine can help improve sleep quality, allowing you to wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
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    Green Noise

    Green noise is defined as sleep noise that amplifies mid-range frequencies with uniform intensity. It is a type of noise that is associated with nature and can be calming and soothing for rest.

    Listen to this green noise audio:

    Benefits of Green Noise for Sleep

    • Promotes relaxation
    • Reduces stress
    • Acts as a natural sound barrier
    • Enhance sleep quality

    Nature Sounds For Sleep

    For a serene and calming sleep experience, try incorporating a variety of nature sounds into your bedtime routine. Nature sounds such as raindrops, babbling brooks, chirping crickets, or woodland sounds can help you drift off to sleep and promote a better night’s sleep.

    Listening to these natural sounds can increase parasympathetic activity, which promotes rest and digestion. To help you understand the benefits of nature sounds for sleep, here is a table highlighting the different types of nature sounds and their effects:

    Nature SoundsBenefits
    RaindropsCreates a peaceful atmosphere
    Babbling brooksSoothing and calming
    Chirping cricketsAdds a natural ambiance

    Incorporating these nature sounds into your nightly routine can provide a soothing and relaxing environment, helping you achieve a better night’s sleep.

    Water Sounds

    Listen to the calming sound of flowing water to help you relax and fall asleep peacefully. Water sounds have a soothing effect on the mind and can help create a peaceful atmosphere conducive to sleep.

    Here are some examples of water sounds that can help you sleep better and improve your sleep quality:

    1. Ocean Waves: Imagine the gentle rhythm of ocean waves crashing against the shore, creating a tranquil ambiance that lulls you into a deep slumber.

    2. Fountains: The soft trickling sound of a fountain can create a serene environment reminiscent of a peaceful garden, helping you unwind and drift off to sleep.

    3. Rain: Picture the sound of raindrops hitting the window pane, accompanied by the distant rumble of thunder and the gentle rustling of wind through the trees. This combination of sounds can create a cozy and relaxing atmosphere that helps you fall asleep.

    4. Waterfall: Visualize the cascading water from a majestic waterfall, the sound of which can transport you to a serene natural setting, promoting a sense of calm and tranquility.

    Listening to these soothing water sounds can create a peaceful environment, promoting relaxation and improved sleep. Incorporating these sounds into your bedtime routine can help you fall asleep faster and wake up feeling refreshed.

    Listen to this rain audio sample:

    Calming Music

    person playing violin close up image

    Choose calming music with a consistent tempo and volume to create a peaceful atmosphere for sleep. Calming music can help you sleep by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. It’s one of the best sounds for sleep because it can help calm your mind and prepare your body for rest.

    When selecting calming music, opt for tracks that have a steady and soothing rhythm without any sudden changes in volume or tempo.

    Whether you prefer classical music, soft instrumental melodies, or gentle nature sounds mixed with music, find what works best for you and incorporate it into your bedtime routine.

    Using noise machines or sleep apps such as ShutEye®, offers a variety of calming music options can also improve your sleep by providing a dedicated source of soothing sounds.

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    Woodland Sounds

    Immerse yourself in the tranquility of woodland sounds, embracing the harmony of wildlife and the soothing melodies of birdsongs.

    As you listen to the gentle rustling of leaves and the whisper of the wind, let the woodland sounds transport you to a peaceful and serene environment.

    Imagine being surrounded by nature’s symphony, creating the perfect ambiance for you to fall asleep. Picture yourself lying under a canopy of trees as you hear the soft chirping of birds and the distant calls of woodland creatures.

    Allow these sounds to lull you into a deep and restful sleep as you find solace in the best sounds nature has to offer.

    ASMR

    ASMR, or Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, is a phenomenon characterized by tingling sensations in response to specific auditory or visual triggers. It has gained popularity as a tool for better sleep and relaxation.

    ASMR videos feature a variety of sounds. Some examples are soft whispers, scratching objects, crinkling pages, tapping, and gentle humming. These sounds create a calming and pleasurable experience that can promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.

    Binaural Beats

    To enhance your sleep experience, try incorporating binaural beats into your bedtime routine. Binaural beats are a type of sound therapy that aims to synchronize brainwaves and promote relaxation.

    Here are four reasons why binaural beats can be the best sound for better sleep:

    • Brainwave synchronization: Binaural beats work by playing two different frequencies simultaneously, helping to synchronize brainwaves and induce a state of calm.
    • Different frequencies: Binaural beats in the alpha frequency range (8-13 Hz) are often used for relaxation and meditation, while those in the theta frequency range (4-8 Hz) are associated with deep relaxation and sleep.
    • Personalized experience: Binaural beats can be customized to suit your individual preferences and sleep needs, allowing you to create a tailored sleep sound experience.
    • Better sleep: Incorporating binaural beats into your bedtime routine can help you achieve a deeper and more restful sleep, leading to better overall sleep quality.

    All The Noise That Can Help You Sleep

    There’s a wide variety of sounds to help you sleep; it just depends on what you prefer. Is it white or pink noise? Or maybe you’re more into violet noise and blue noise sounds? No matter if your choice is pink or brown noise or if you’re more into sleep guides and meditation. Nature sounds, ASMR, binaural beats, and more are available in ShutEye®. You can mix any sounds you like to create your custom soundscape to help you sleep at night. 

    best sleep noise library available in shuteye for free

    Sleep Accessories and Guides

    Enhance your sleep experience with the wide selection of sleep accessories and guides available. These resources can help you create the perfect sleep environment and improve the quality of your restful sleep. Whether you’re looking for comfortable bedding, soothing sleep sounds, or expert guidance on sleep hygiene, there are options to suit your needs. Check out the table below for some popular sleep accessories and guides:

    Sleep Accessories and GuidesDescription
    Comfortable BeddingChoose high-quality sheets, pillows, and blankets that provide optimal comfort and support for a good night’s sleep.
    Sleep Sound MachinesThese devices produce calming sounds like white noise or nature sounds to help you relax and fall asleep more easily.
    Sleep MasksBlock out light and create a dark sleep environment with a comfortable sleep mask that fits snugly over your eyes.
    Sleep Hygiene GuidesGet expert advice and tips on establishing healthy sleep habits and routines for better sleep quality.

    Investing in sleep accessories and utilizing helpful guides can greatly contribute to your overall sleep experience. Whether it’s finding the best sounds to fall asleep to or creating a sleep-friendly environment, these resources can help you achieve a restful night’s sleep.

    Conclusion

    Finding the right sound to fall asleep to can greatly improve your sleep quality and help you relax. Whether it’s white noise, nature sounds, or calming music, the soothing melodies and rhythms can lull you into a restful night’s sleep.

    Consider trying different sounds and see which one works best for you. Sweet dreams!

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    FAQ

    Nature sounds like raindrops, babbling brooks, chirping crickets, and woodland sounds can create a peaceful atmosphere and promote better sleep. Raindrops, for instance, can create a peaceful atmosphere, while babbling brooks are soothing and calming. Chirping crickets add a natural ambiance to your sleep environment. Listening to these natural sounds can increase parasympathetic activity, which promotes rest and digestion, contributing to better sleep.

    ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) and binaural beats use auditory triggers to induce relaxation. ASMR involves gentle sounds like whispers, tapping, and crinkling. Binaural beats work by playing two different frequencies to synchronize brainwaves and promote a state of calm. Both ASMR and binaural beats can help create a calming and pleasurable experience that promotes relaxation and improves sleep quality.

    While white noise is a popular choice for sleep, it is not necessarily the best sound for everyone. Some people find that white noise can be too harsh or irritating, and they prefer other sounds, like pink noise or brown noise, to help them fall asleep more easily.

    Pink noise is often considered to be more relaxing and soothing compared to white noise. While white noise contains all frequencies, pink noise emphasizes lower frequencies and has a more balanced sound. Some people find that pink noise can help them relax and fall asleep more easily compared to white noise.

    The main difference between white noise and pink noise is in the way the frequencies are distributed. White noise contains all frequencies at equal intensity, while pink noise contains more energy in lower frequencies. Pink noise has a more soothing and balanced sound compared to the hissing sound of white noise.

    Pink noise can help with sleep by creating a relaxing environment and promoting more stable sleep. It has been found to help slow down brainwaves, reduce the difference between deep and light sleep, and improve overall sleep quality. Pink noise may also help to reduce the occurrence of waking up during the night.
    About authors
    Jessica Brown, a 29-year-old freelance copywriter passionate about human nature and deeply committed to promoting sleep and mental health awareness. Jessica holds a Master of Arts in Literary Studies from the National University of Singapore and a Bachelor's in Biology from the University of Cambridge.

    Ebben, M. R., Yan, P., & Krieger, A. C. (2021). The effects of white noise on sleep and duration in individuals living in a high noise environment in New York City. Sleep medicine, 83, 256–259. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2021.03.031

    REGIS University (2023) Sound and Colour [online]. Available at: https://www.regis.edu/news/2023/magazine/05/sound-and-color

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