Do you have difficulty getting a good night’s sleep? You are not alone. In the United States, around 70 million people struggle with some type of sleep disorder. Sleep deprivation can cause many health issues, including increased risk for diabetes, obesity, and depression. But before you turn to sleep medication, consider trying white noise. Here, we discuss the benefits of using white noise to help with insomnia.
What Is White Noise?
According to the Sleep Foundation, white noise refers to a noise containing all frequencies of the audible sound spectrum. It is often likened to the static heard from an untuned radio or television. White noise has been linked to improved work performance, counteracting the symptoms of ADHD, and easing insomnia. In fact, a 2017 study showed that adults fell asleep 38% faster when they listened to white noise.
Tells Our Brain It Is Time to Sleep
You may have heard that drinking a cup of milk before bedtime will help you sleep. But some experts say that it is not necessarily the milk that helps with sleep but the bedtime routine. Turning on a white noise machine when getting into bed can cue the brain that it is time to relax and finally fall asleep.
Keeps the Room Quiet
White noise can help drown out any external noises, whether you live in the city or have noisy upstairs neighbors. A 2021 study found that white noise improved the sleeping patterns of those living in New York City.
Trains the Brains to Relax
One contributor to insomnia is anxious, swirling thoughts. White noise has been shown to help individuals relax by calming or distracting them from those thoughts.
Helps to Stay Asleep
Studies show that people wake up in the middle of the night not because of a loud sound but because of a change in sound. White noise keeps the room at a consistent sound level, helping individuals stay asleep throughout the night.
Have you used white noise to help you sleep? Share your experience with us in the comments below!