What Is A White Noise Process?

Does White Noise Help You Sleep Better?

Does the steady hum of the air conditioner lull you to sleep? Or maybe the noise of the fan can actually soothe your nerves? Well, this can mean that you are comforted by the white noise.

The neutral sound of white noise can help some people enjoy a good night's rest and curb any sound disturbances.

So, let's take a close look and see how white noise can benefit you.

Ahead, we walk you through everything you must know about white noise. Let's dive in!

What Is White Noise?

White noise is a steady and consistent sound that combines all audible frequencies to create a soothing and uniform hum. The static you hear on your TV or the gentle buzz of your fan are all everyday examples of white noise.

That's why you must have seen how some people cannot fall asleep without a fan, even when it's chilly outside and they need a thick blanket to cover them up. This is because of the comfort white noise can fetch.

How Can White Noise Help You Sleep?

Today, even at night, finding peace and quiet has become difficult. The sounds of the traffic, the dogs barking at a distance, and even people on the street conversing loudly can create distractions.

Some enjoy a snooze even through the distractions. But for others, white noise comes to the rescue. It creates a consistent hum, which keeps you calm and helps the mind relax. This way, even sudden sounds won't disrupt your sleep.

It is also great for individuals who don't enjoy utter silence. Here, the steady buzz makes it easy to fall asleep.

The Benefits of White Noise

Here are a few benefits of white noise you must know about:

1. Reduces Sleep Disturbances

In a white noise study, the consistent hum was able to improve sleep even when there were high levels of environmental noise.

So, if you are someone who resides in a metro city and finds it difficult to snooze with all the outside noise, white noise can be what you need. It masks the sudden sounds like snoring, traffic, or barking dogs that can interrupt your sleep.

This is because its steady buzz keeps other external noises from reaching your brain and disrupting your sleep.

2. Helps Combat Insomnia or Anxiety

If you are an overthinker whose next stop is usually anxiety, white noise is what you need to calm that racing mind. Especially at night, it keeps your mind from stressing and makes it easier to fall asleep.

In fact, a white noise study also showed that incorporating white sound improved sleep quality, reduced anxiety and depression, and decreased negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia compared to standard treatment alone.

3. Enables Deeper and More Restful Sleep

Since white noise is able to mask any sudden sound disruptions, you can enjoy an uninterrupted slumber throughout the night.

This means you enjoy high sleep quality and stay in the deeper stages of sleep for longer. This is essential for feeling refreshed and energized as you wake up. So, white noise can help your body get the sleep you deserve.

4. Can Have Calming Effects

Noise is always associated with disruptions. So, when you are studying or working, silence is deemed to be golden. However, research proves that white noise can enhance your work environment and can make you feel calmer.

Even when you are meditating or simply trying to relax, the consistent sound can soothe your mind and body.

White Noise vs Other Color Noises

Let’s take a look at the below table to understand how white noise compares with other colored noises.

Can White Noise Be Harmful?

Usually, white noise doesn't pose any danger. However, it can be harmful when it's too loud or played excessively. Remember, too much of anything is not very good.

Also, high volumes can damage hearing or cause discomfort, especially for babies or young children.

At the end of the day, white noise isn't for everyone. Some find the constant noise irritating instead of soothing. You must have noticed how some people cannot tolerate the sound of the fan. So, if you are using a white noise machine, keep the volume low and use it in moderation.

How to Access White Noise for Sleep?

Want to try white noise for yourself? Here’s how you can do it:

1. Machines

Today, you will find white noise machines that are designed to produce soothing sounds like static, rainfall, or fan noise. They produce white noise for sleep and can be very easy to understand. Generally, they are portable devices that come with volume settings and a timer.

2. Apps and Playlists

If machines aren't really your thing, don't worry. We live in a tech-savvy era today and there's an app, Spotify, or YouTube playlist for everything. You will easily find a variety of white noise options online.

3. Everyday Sources

Everyday items like fans or air conditioners can act as white noise sources. They are convenient, affordable, and readily available at home. So, if you want to try white noise, see how the buzz from the fan or your AC makes you feel.

4. Smart Devices

Smart devices like Alexa or Google Home can play white noise or similar sounds on command. Simply ask them to play white noise, and you will have an instant, hands-free sleep aid. But make sure to set a timer.

7 Tips to Use White Noise Correctly

Now that you know everything there is about white noise, let’s understand how you can make use of it correctly:

1. Choose a Reliable Noise Source

Make sure the white noise option you choose is high in quality. You don't want to wake up in the middle of the night just to fiddle with the device or the app. Also, there are several white noise options. So, choose something that brings you comfort and calms the mind.

2. Keep the Volume at Safe Levels

Always set the volume to a safe and comfortable level. White noise must be like a background score. Not too loud but just enough. Also, noises can damage your hearing over time or make it harder to relax. That's not what we are aiming for here. So, keep it as loud as a gentle conversation.

3. Place the Device 3+ Feet Away

You don't want white noise playing right next to your ear. Maintain distance, 3 feet at least. If you sleep alone on a queen-size bed, you can simply place it on the other corner or a table in your room. The distance will distribute the sound evenly in the room and won't overwhelm you.

4. Don't Miss Out On a Cozy Sleep Environment

White noise is great. But for it to fetch you a good night's rest, you need a comfortable sleep environment.

If you are someone who has been having sleepless nights, make sure you evaluate your mattress and see if it is able to give you the comfort and support you deserve. Also, invest in quality pillows that align with your sleep style. Next, keep the room cool and use blackout curtains if necessary. Together, this will elevate your sleep experience.

5. Experiment with Different Noise Types

You can also experiment with different noise types like white, pink, or brown noise, to find what works best for you. Everyone’s preferences are different, so testing options like gentle rain, fan sounds, or ocean waves will help you understand what works for you.

6. Incorporate Into a Bedtime Routine

Since white noise can have a calming effect, you can always use it as a part of your bedtime routine. Let's say you are reading a book. White noise can be your background score to help you relax. When you go to bed in a relaxed state, you enjoy high-quality sleep.

7. Avoid Excessive Dependency Over Time

While white noise can be helpful, don’t rely on it too much. Try to sleep without it at times. This way, you will still be able to sleep well in situations where white noise isn’t available, like when you are traveling.

Conclusion

If you are someone who has been struggling with sleep, white noise can come to the rescue.

But along with it, try maintaining a healthy routine to get a good night's rest. Incorporate regular exercise, follow a consistent sleep schedule, and limit naps in the afternoon so you can enjoy a peaceful snooze at night.

Even after everything, if you are unable to get some much-needed shuteye, your mattress may be the problem. So, you may want to invest in a high-quality one.

The Sleep Company is here with a range of mattresses, each designed to offer you the best sleep of your life. The innovative SmartGrid Technology strikes the right balance between comfort and support and helps you doze off in no time.

Struggling with sleep? Combine white noise with The Sleep Company’s SmartGrid Technology for the ultimate comfort and support because a great mattress means great sleep!

FAQs

1. What is white noise?

White noise combines all frequencies to bring you a steady sound that creates a consistent hum. This blocks any distractions and calms the mind.

2. What is a white noise machine?

A white noise machine is a device that can play white noise sounds. These devices are usually portable and easy to use.

3. Is white noise good for studying?

Yes, white noise can help you study by keeping you calm and sharpening your focus. This is because it masks any background noise that can be distracting.

4. Does white noise help you study?

Yes, white noise makes it easy for you to focus and can help you study without any disturbances. But it all depends on individual preferences.