What's All the "Noise" About?
Many sleepers use various noise devices to generate sounds to assist with falling asleep. Some might use for long stretches hoping to maintain sleep continuity. Although scant high quality research has been conducted on this approach, there are tons of free videos on the internet providing “noise” as well as multiple products for sale offering the same. Apparently, the market per one estimate totals $1 billion.
Most of us probably recall the term “white noise,” which equates to something like static on a television (if we could ever get static anymore in our 24/7 world). A whirring fan is also considered white noise. Pink noise alleges to be more in harmony with biological rhythms, and the best example is steady rainfall.
A new study looking at noise systems reported that overall sleep outcomes improved with both white or pink noise or the combination of the two. The study reviewed data from 34 past research investigations, ranging from 1979 to the present.
Two main conclusions were drawn. First and foremost, there appeared to be no safety issues or side effects from the vast majority of studies examined. Second, though not consistently demonstrated, various types of noise decreased the time to fall asleep, improved perceived sleep quality, and enhanced sleep continuity.
Personally, on rare occasion I’ve used steady rainfall with gentle thunder in the background and found the “noise” relaxing as well as effectively distracting such that sleep onset was facilitated.