White Noise vs Brown Noise for Sleep: How They Differ

White noise vs brown noise — what sets them apart? Read this to learn about their differences, benefits, how they work for sleep, and more.

Sound therapy has been making headlines with white and brown noise to improve sleep. These noise colors denote various sound types that have multiple benefits, including boosting the quality of zzzs and sharpening focus and concentration, to name a few.

What are these noise colors, and how do they differ? That’s precisely what this blog post aims to explain, so let’s get started.

Key Takeaways

• White noise has a uniform frequency distribution that masks disruptive noises, improves sleep quality, and provides tinnitus relief by creating a consistent auditory environment.

• Brown noise’s concentration of energy in lower frequencies offers a deep, rumbling sound that enhances relaxation, improves sleep quality and boosts concentration.

• The choice between white and brown noise hinges on noise sensitivity, environmental conditions, desired outcomes, and personal preference, with each offering unique benefits for different situations and goals.

Table of Contents

• What Are the Characteristics and Uses of White Noise?

• What Are the Key Features and Applications of Brown Noise?

• What Are the Benefits of White Noise for Sleep and Relaxation?

• How Does Brown Noise for Sleep Improve Your Zzzs?

• What Are Factors in Choosing the Right Noise for You?

• Listening to White or Brown Noise With Manta White Noise Machine

• What Are Other Sounds to Help You Sleep?

• Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Sound for Sleep

What Are the Characteristics and Uses of White Noise?

First, let’s tackle white noise. It’s a sound that encompasses all audible frequencies played at the same intensity. Examples include the hissing of radio static or the monotonous drone of a fan.

Here are some essential attributes and applications of white noise:

• Frequency Distribution: White noise features a uniform frequency spectrum, indicating that it encompasses all frequencies equally.

• Masks Disruptive Sounds: A key application of white noise is its capacity to obscure intrusive environmental sounds like traffic or office chatter. It fosters a sense of privacy and lessens distractions, enhancing relaxation or focus.

• Improves Sleep: Many discover that white noise helps with faster sleep onset and lessens awakenings. It helps you get to a relaxed state, which is crucial for good sleep.

• Tinnitus Relief: Tinnitus is a perceived ringing or buzzing in the ears. White noise for tinnitus relief is one way of drowning out the intrusive noise and reducing its volume.

What Are the Key Features and Applications of Brown Noise?

Next is brown noise, characterized by a greater concentration of energy in its lower frequencies. This noise is often compared to thunder or a waterfall’s deep, rumbling sounds.

Primary attributes and uses of brown noise include:

• Frequency Distribution: Brown noise has a greater concentration of energy in its lower frequencies. And as the frequency rises, the energy diminishes.

• Relaxation and Sleep Aid: Many find that brown noise offers a calming and tranquil experience. It’s great for enhancing sleep quality and alleviating stress and anxiety.

• Concentration and Focus: Brown noise’s lower frequencies can create a feeling of seclusion and minimize interruptions. This capability is beneficial for activities that demand prolonged attention and concentration.

• Tinnitus Relief: Like white noise, brown noise can relieve those suffering from tinnitus. It also helps by covering the perceived ringing and diminishing its volume. Some people find it more effective than the harshness of white noise in this respect.

What Are the Benefits of White Noise for Sleep and Relaxation?

Both white and brown noise are popular sleep and relaxation aids. However, white noise offers distinct benefits, making it a favored option for many.

White noise is consistent and unobtrusive. Its steady and unchanging sound is easily ignored, making it less intrusive for sleep than more dynamic or fluctuating sounds.

It has a masking effect. We mentioned this already, but white noise can drown out disruptive background sounds. This characteristic is especially beneficial if you live in a bustling urban area or share a space with others.

For some, white noise can sound comforting and familiar. Its static-like hum is found in common appliances at home, like the soothing sound of a fan, TV static and the hum of an AC.

White noise is versatile. It's not just great for sleep; it also serves other purposes. It can enhance focus and concentration, making you more productive. And you can even use it in your work area to add a layer of privacy in shared spaces.

How Does Brown Noise for Sleep Improve Your Zzzs?

Now, let’s move on to brown noise. It also provides distinct advantages for people who want to improve their sleep quality and then some.

Brown noise has deeper, more soothing tones than white noise. These can evoke feelings of warmth and comfort, making brown noise effective for encouraging relaxation, Not to mention easing anxiety or stress before bedtime.

Brown noise excels at reducing distractions. With its lower frequency range, this noise color is suitable for masking specific environmental sounds, particularly those of a lower pitch, like traffic or industrial equipment.

While the jury is still out on this, anecdotal evidence suggests that the deeper tones of brown noise may be more conducive to deeper sleep. Similar to white noise, brown noise can drown out background noises. NBC’s Dr. John Torres told Today, "Similar to white noise, brown noise can drown out background noises. Some find that it helps them fall into a deeper, more restorative sleep.⁽¹⁾"

What Are Factors in Choosing the Right Noise for You?

Choosing between white noise and brown noise is a personal decision. There’s no universal answer that’ll suit everyone. Your choice depends largely on your tastes and why you want to listen to white or brown noise in the first place.

But we’re not going to leave you to decide without help. Here are things to consider when making your decision:

• Noise Sensitivity: Do higher-pitched sounds make you cringe? Then brown noise may be the better option for you. Its lower frequencies are more soothing.

• External Environment: If you live in an area with lots of noise pollution, such as traffic or construction, brown noise may help you sleep better by masking these unwanted sounds.

• Desired Result: Are you aiming to enhance focus and concentration? Then, go for white noise. On the other hand, if relaxation and sleep are your goals, opt for brown noise instead.

• Personal Preference: We said at once. We’ll say it again: Ultimately, it depends on your preference. You’re likely to find a particular type of sound more enjoyable or beneficial than the other.

We want to highlight that you can try different volume levels or combine different kinds of colored noise to suit your needs. (Yep. There’s more than white and brown noise out there.)

Do you want to learn more about other noise colors and how they stack against each other? If so, read these blog posts:

• Pink Noise vs White Noise: What’s Better for Sleep?

• White Noise vs Green Noise for Sleep and Focus

• Choosing Between White Noise vs Red Noise

White and brown noise are easily accessible online. There are tons of podcasts, videos and playlists available. However, a white noise machine is a better way to listen to these types of audio at home or work.

But then again, not all noise machines are made equal. You need to ensure the device offers more options than just white noise. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Listening to White or Brown Noise With Manta White Noise Machine

Meet Manta White Noise Machine. Apart from offering 15 different sounds (white and brown noise included), it acts as a barrier to disruptive noises even before they reach you. Just put the speaker near the source of noise, and voila!

Let’s take a closer look at its features:

Seriously, you’ll want (and need) this device to enhance sleep quality, boost focus and concentration, or create a calming atmosphere. It isn’t the best white noise machine for sleeping for nothing!

What Are Other Sounds to Help You Sleep?

Indeed, white and brown noise are widely favored for improving sleep and relaxation, but make no mistake: they aren’t your sole options.

Here are other sounds that may help you catch some zzzs:

• Nature Sounds: Mama Nature’s soothing melodies, like the patter of rain, ocean waves, or chirping birds, can induce a sense of peace and help you drift off to a deep and restful sleep.

• Binaural Beats: These carefully crafted audio tracks merge 2 subtly distinct frequencies, resulting in a rhythmic beating effect. This phenomenon supposedly induces brainwave states that are linked to relaxation or sleep.

• Ambient Music: Gentle instrumental tunes with a slow tempo and calming melodies can help you unwind as you prepare for sleep.

• ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response): ASMR videos and audio recordings often incorporate soothing, tranquil sounds and whispers that elicit a tingling sensation that can be relaxing for many.

Keep in mind that the effect of each of these sounds might differ for each individual. Don’t be afraid to experiment! It’ll help you determine which ones work best for you.

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Sound for Sleep

White noise vs brown noise — which is the best background sound for sleeping? Remember that each offers advantages for sleep, relaxation, and concentration. White noise delivers a constant, unchanging sound that efficiently drowns out loud environmental noise. Meanwhile, brown noise has richer, deeper tones.

Ultimately, deciding between white and brown noise depends on your preferences and goals. Do you want to improve your sleep quality? Or is it a concentration and focus boost you’re after? Whichever one it is, familiarizing yourself with each one’s sound and uses will help you make an informed choice.

Don’t forget that you have other options like natural sounds, binaural beats, ASMR or ambient music. Have fun and experiment to discover which ones suit you best.

We hope this blog post helped you discover which noise is best for you. Is it white or brown noise? Or is it something else altogether? Let us know by commenting below.

Sources:  

(1) "White, brown and pink noise machines are going viral for improving sleep. Do they work?” Today, www.today.com/health/sleep/white-noise-pink-noise-brown-noise-differences-rcna125317. Accessed 25 September 2024.

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