What is Pink Noise? What is White Noise? What is Brown Noise?

If you want to sleep better, fall asleep faster, block out unwanted sounds, mask tinnitus, help your baby sleep better, improve memory skills, colors of noise may be the thing for you.

White noise, pink noise and brown noise. If you have had trouble sleeping you have probably heard of at least one of these. But what are they and how do they work?

White, pink and brown noise are found in nature and people find them soothing, relaxing and very helpful in getting to and staying asleep.

The various colors ascribed to noise has to do with the distribution of frequencies.

White Noise

White noise is made of random and equal amounts of frequencies from the entire sound spectrum. This is similar to the way white light contains all the wavelengths of the visible spectrum at equal intensity.

White noise can be found in the sound of steam hissing from a radiator, waterfalls, rapid rivers, and static on the television or radio when tuned to a station not broadcasting.

White noise works because we are sensitive to changes in sound so when we have white noise as a steady background, it masks other sounds. White noise is also soothing and relaxing.

There’s considerable evidence that white noise is effective for promoting deep sleep.

BENEFITS OF WHITE NOISE

• Relieves sleeping disorders and insomnia - White noise can help those who have trouble falling asleep or are sensitive to light sounds and are easily awakened.
• Babies with colic - White noise will give them a soothing environment and it sounds a bit like being in the womb.
• ADHD - White noise helps children suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) by increasing their attention spans and cognitive abilities.
• Tinnitus - White noise masks the sound of tinnitus (sound masking) thus providing relief for many with tinnitus.
  
• Meditation - Soothing and relaxing sound that masks out distracting sounds providing for a nice calm meditative environment.
• Focus and Study - White noise improves concentration. Students can improve focus, concentration and memory.

Here is a sample of white noise:

White Noise (Soothe Your Crying Baby, Baby Colic, Tinnitus Relief, Study & Focus)

Pink Noise

Pink noise is the new white noise. Pink noise is similar to the much more well know white noise. However, white noise can sound a bit harsh and tinny. Pink noise emphasizes lower frequencies to create a deeper, gentler sound.

Pink noise is found in sounds like Leaves rustling in the trees, rainfall, wind, pulsating quasars, your heartbeat, the structure of our DNA, speech patterns, breathing.

Both pink noise and white noise share the same benefits, so many are now using pink noise with its gentler sound.

Here is a sample of pink noise:

Pink Noise (Soothe Your Crying Baby, Baby Colic, Study & Focus)

Brown Noise

Stronger in the low frequencies without the high frequencies of white and pink noise. Brown noise also shares in the benefits of white noise.

Brown noise is found in sounds like rushing water, a low roar or deep hum, like that of a clothes dryer or train passing.

Here is a sample of brown noise:

Brown Noise (Soothe Your Crying Baby, Baby Colic, Study & Focus)

Which one to choose? Try them all and see what works best for you!