White Noise: Rain Sounds for Sleeping

Published: Aug 31, 2024
Updated: Sep 16, 2024
White Noise: Rain Sounds for Sleeping
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    6 min

    A low rumble of thunder rolls softly in the distance, accompanied by the gentle patter of rain droplets tapping rhythmically against your window. As the comforting sounds envelop you, you find yourself sinking deeper into your bed, guiding you into a deep sleep. This is what a sleep sound like rain could do.

    Discover why white noise such as rain sounds can enhance your sleep quality in this article. We’ll also provide you with some of the best rain audio tracks for sleeping and relaxing.

    What is White Noise

    what is white noise shuteye

    White noise is a combination of sounds at different frequencies, all of which are within the human audible frequency range (20 Hz to 2,000 Hz). It maintains a consistent energy across various frequency bands, creating a uniform sound that masks other noises [1].

    It usually sounds like a static or hissing-like sound. Some examples of white noise are the sounds of ocean waves crashing, the rain, the air conditioner, the fan, or a static television.

    These are all sounds that can help to mask and drown out external noises and sometimes be soothing for different people.

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    5 Best Rain White Noise Sounds for a Good Rest

    To give you a better grasp of what white noise really is, imagine the soothing sound of a rainstorm. The steady rhythm of rain can be incredibly calming, often lulling you into a deep, restful sleep.

    Think of the last time it was raining heavily outside, did you feel that irresistible urge to just snuggle up in bed? It’s probably because of how rain sounds just seem to make things feel much calmer and peaceful.

    Here are also some rain white noise sounds for you to listen to, to help you get an idea of the relaxing experience that I am talking about.

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    Why are Rain Sounds Effective For Sleep?

    Rain sounds can be described as relaxing because they are attributed to the sounds of nature.

    Various research found that listening to natural sounds can increase parasympathetic response, activating the calming part of the nervous system [2]. Additionally, there are also psychological benefits of listening to nature sounds like rain sounds, such as:

    • Increased cognitive capacity [3]
    • Reduced stress and anxiety [4]

    Rain sounds create a peaceful atmosphere which is perfect for relaxation and stress relief. This in turn, promotes restful sleep.

    Benefits of Using Rain White Noise

    Some of the benefits of using rain noise include:

    • Promotes relaxation: the consistent rhythm of the rain helps to calm the mind and make it easier to unwind for sleep.
    • Reduces stress and anxiety: As mentioned previously, rain sounds can activate the parasympathetic nervous system which is responsible for relaxation and reducing anxiety. Thus, helps you to relax and lower stress levels.
    • Enhances focus and concentration: Rain sounds can also create a peaceful environment that enhances concentration, making it great for studying, working, sleeping, or meditating.
    • Improves mood: The gentle sound of rain can evoke feelings of comfort, positively affecting your mood and improving your well-being.
    • Helps with sound masking: It is also effective for blocking out any disruptive noises such as traffic if you live in the city, the sound of dogs barking, or even your partner’s snoring.

    Can Rain White Noise Help with Babies and Toddlers?

    White noise or rain sound can be extremely beneficial for babies and toddlers. It can help to soothe them if they wake up easily [5].

    White noise mimics the sounds made in the womb such as heartbeat or digestive noises. This creates a soothing and familiar environment where babies and toddlers feel protected. Thus, helping them to improve sleep quality and duration [6].

    You may also like: White Noise for Babies: Can White Noise Help Babies Sleep?

    Tips to Include Rain White Noise into Your Sleep Routine

    If you plan to incorporate rain white noise into your sleep routine, here are some tips to help you do so:

    1. Choosing the right sound: You should select a rain-white noise track that you find soothing. Some people may prefer the sounds of drizzle while others may prefer the sound of heavy rainstorms. Experiment with different audio to find the best for you on your browser or YouTube.
    2. Use a white noise machine or app: Consider using a white noise machine or a sleep sound app like ShutEye® with a rain sound option. Typically, these tools are created to help you create a calming atmosphere and sleep better.
    3. Combine with other relaxation techniques: To enhance your sleep routine, you can also integrate rain sounds with other relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or gentle stretching.
    4. Adjust volume levels: Ensure that you set the volume at a comfortable level. It should not be too loud but just enough to mask out any disruptive noises. You want to create a soothing ambiance.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, white noise like rain sounds can help to promote good sleep quality and help you fall asleep faster. It’s important to find the right audio that suits you by experimenting with different audio. Some rain sounds can be harsh and loud while others may be gentle and soft.

    You may also try out the ShutEye® app for more soothing sleep sounds— from color noises, ambiance sounds, nature sounds, thunderstorm sounds, and more.

    ShutEye@3x
    Sleep better with our sleep sounds, stories, and guided meditations
    Get ShutEye for Free
    About authors
    Amirah is a content writer passionate about topics related to mental health and wellness. Recently, she delved into the realm of sleep health, spurred by a personal recognition of her subpar sleep habits and a desire for improvement. Amirah holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Communication Studies from the University of Nottingham.

    Amiri, M. J., Sadeghi, T., & Negahban Bonabi, T. (2017). The effect of natural sounds on the anxiety of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Perioperative medicine (London, England)6, 17. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13741-017-0074-3

    Bassett, A. (2024) Can white noise help babies sleep? [online]. Available at: https://huckleberrycare.com/blog/white-noise-for-babies-sleep#how_does_white_noise_help_babies_sleep

    Ghasemi, S., Fasih-Ramandi, F., Monazzam, M. R., & Khodakarim, S. (2023). White Noise and Its Potential Applications in Occupational Health: A Review. Iranian journal of public health52(3), 488–499. Available at: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v52i3.12132

    Raising Children (2023) Light and noise: better baby and toddler sleep [online]. Available at: https://raisingchildren.net.au/babies/sleep/where-your-baby-sleeps/light-noise

    Van Hedger, S.C., Nusbaum, H.C., Clohisy, L. et al. Of cricket chirps and car horns: The effect of nature sounds on cognitive performance. Psychon Bull Rev 26, 522–530 (2019). Available at: https://doi.org/10.3758/s13423-018-1539-1

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