Move over, white noise.
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| | | | If you've ever had trouble sleeping, you've probably heard that listening to white noise can help you get a good night's rest. I know people who like it and use it, but it never did anything for me. When I heard about pink noise for the first time, which is said to induce an even deeper sleep, my ears perked up. | | So, what on earth is pink noise? And how can colors have sounds in general? Scroll down to find out. | | Here are some other stories you might enjoy: | | | | Be well,
Morgan Mandriota
Newsletter Editor, Healthline | | | | |
| |  | | Written by Morgan Mandriota
January 17, 2024 • 3 min read | | | | | | | |
| |  | | | Sleep, meet pink noise | | Let me try to explain sound colors without complicated jargon. *Deep breath.* The color of a sound is determined by its energy intensity and frequency distribution, and different colors affect our brains in unique ways. For example, the sound of a barking dog or horn can be disruptive, while softer nature noises can help you drift off and stay asleep. | | If that doesn't make any sense to you, don't worry. Here's a quick breakdown: | - White noise includes all audible frequencies. Examples: radio or TV static, humming air conditioner, whirring fan.
- Pink noise is like white noise with bass. It sounds like rustling leaves, steady rain, or a heartbeat.
- Brown or red noise is even deeper than pink noise. Think of strong waterfalls or thunder.
- Black noise is actually a lack of noise. It's silence or as close to it as possible. (My favorite!)
| | OK, back to sleep stuff. Specifically, how can pink noise help you get a deep sleep? | | A small 2012 study found that it reduces brain waves, which increases stable sleep. Another 2017 study discovered it can induce deep sleep. Anecdotal evidence of its sleep benefits exists, too (yes, it was a TikTok trend in 2023). More research is needed, of course, but so far it sounds promising. | | Want to try a pink noise sleep aid? Try listening to audio on Spotify, YouTube, and meditation apps from your computer, phone, or earbuds when it's time to wind down for the night. You can also buy a pink noise sleep machine (like the one listed in the next section). If you give it a whirl, email us at wellnesswire@healthline.com to share how it worked for you! | | | | | | | |
| | | | A pink pink noise machine | | | | | | |  | | Sleepmac™ Pink Noise Machine | | Sold on the potential of better sleep with the help of pink noise? Check out this black (or pink) pink noise machine! You can pick from 15 static noises like colors or fans, 13 nature sounds, and 13 sounds just for babies. It has 41 soothing sound options in total, a pretty multicolor night light, and you can even play two favorites at the same time. | | | Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline's or Optum Store's vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Store are owned by RVO Health. | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Thanks for reading! Before you go, check out this joke reader David J. shared with us in response to our overactive bladder story last week:
One of my favorite cartoons is of a medical receptionist answering the phone, against a background of aides who are yucking it up in front of a large "UROLOGY" sign. She says, with a big grin: "Urology — Can you hold?!"
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