Decoding Sleep Sounds Pink, Brown, and White Noise Demystified

Sleep sounds are gaining popularity in the wellness space for a good reason—sleep is crucial for overall well-being. While the right number of hours and type of sleep are often debated, the role of sleep sounds, the frequency of vibrations that occur per second, is less understood by the general public. This guide explores the different types of sleep sounds—white, pink, brown, blue, violet, and grey noise—and their potential effects on sleep quality.

Breaking Down Sleep Noises

Dr. Raj Bhui, a family medicine specialist and spokesperson for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), explains that frequency refers to the number of vibrations or cycles occurring per second. The human ear can typically hear frequencies in the 20–20,000 Hz range. Different frequencies are associated with different qualities of sound:

• White noise contains all frequencies at equal intensities, similar to static from a radio or TV.
• Pink noise includes the same range of frequencies, but with decreasing intensity as frequency increases. This results in a softer sound, similar to wind or a waterfall.
• Brown noise, or red noise, is similar to pink noise but with a more rapid intensity decay as frequency increases, giving it a rumbling character, akin to rain or running water.
• Blue noise has intensity increasing with frequency, akin to pink noise but with more prominence in higher frequencies.
• Violet noise also has intensity increasing with frequency, with prominence in higher frequencies similar to blue noise but with a different intensity increase pattern.
• Grey noise has low intensity in middle frequencies and increased intensity at both ends of the audible spectrum, resulting in a U-shaped curve.

What the Science Says

Dr. Bhui notes that while some low-quality data suggest that different sounds or music may help with relaxation, concentration, or sleep, more research is needed to validate the benefits of sleep noise as a sleep aid. Most research has focused on white noise, suggesting it may be helpful in noisy environments but could disrupt sleep for some individuals.

White noise may also aid with symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and provide relief to people with conditions like tinnitus or hyperacusis.

What to Consider Before Using Sleep Sounds

Before incorporating sleep sounds into your routine, it’s important to have realistic expectations. While sleep sounds can be a non-invasive, low-risk intervention, they should not be considered a cure-all solution. Dr. Bhui advises protecting your ears by monitoring the decibels your ears are exposed to, as prolonged exposure to noise above 70–80 dB may increase the risk of hearing loss.

Choosing continuous noise and using a sleep timer can also help maintain sleep quality. If you have trouble falling or staying asleep despite implementing sleep hygiene tips, such as controlling sound and lighting, you may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), which goes beyond changes to the sleep environment to address underlying sleep issues.

In conclusion, while sleep sounds may offer benefits for some individuals, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s essential to consider your individual needs and consult with a healthcare professional if you have persistent sleep issues.