Does white noise help you sleep better? White noise is a popular way to fall asleep for many Aussies. Many white noise users swear that they cannot fall asleep without their machine, fan, mobile app or fan. But is white sound helpful?
The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine’s analysis of sleep studies conducted in the psychiatry section (Professor Mathias Basner, and his colleagues) showed that using white noise to help participants fall asleep reduced the time required. There was evidence from at least one study that white noise reduced sleep quality.
Overall, white noise is generally considered to be a good way to sleep. Some studies have shown that white noise helps adults fall asleep quicker and go back to sleep faster if they are woken up in the middle night.
What Is White Noise And How Does It Function?
White noise is a combination of low- to high-frequency sound played at the same volume to create a soothing buzz. White noise can be used to mask other sounds, such as a pair of high-quality sleeping plugs.
White noise can be especially useful for people who have trouble sleeping in noisy environments. White noise can also be helpful to people with sleep problems.
White noise can be used to help you get back to sleep if you wake up often during the night. This will ensure a more restful and rejuvenating sleep. No one likes to feel sluggish when they wake up.
How do white noise machines work?
White noise machines can be used to mask the sound of an upstairs neighbour or a busy street. They create a soothing blanket of sounds that helps users sleep and stay asleep. Why does white noise make you sleep better?
The auditory system is not able to process many sounds simultaneously. White noise machines create a sound that is constant and covers a range of frequencies. This masks any other noises that could wake us during sleep.
What are the advantages and risks of using white noise machines?
Our bodies love to anticipate the future. Your actions before bedtime can trigger the release of melatonin. If you use a white noise machine before bedtime, eventually your body will begin to associate the sound with sleep. This will make it easier to fall asleep.
A white noise machine can help you develop more restorative and consistent sleep habits.
There are some risks associated with white noise machines. You should be aware that using a white-noise machine can cause your body to become accustomed to the artificial sounds before and during sleeping, making it nearly impossible to get a restful night’s sleep without one. In the absence of sleep aids, relying on a white-noise machine can make it difficult to fall or stay asleep.
White noise machines are best used to mask annoying noises
Scientists believe that white noise is not only distracting but can also be harmful in environments where it’s already quiet. There is a concern that white noise does not allow for the auditory system and body to rest together at night. However, this has yet to be proven scientifically.
Researchers from the Weill Cornell Medical College and New York-Presbyterian Hospital along with Harvard Medical School conducted a study in 2021 to test the effectiveness of white sound machines on New Yorkers. Participants found it hard to sleep and to stay asleep in the city due to its many loud noises.
The study lasted three weeks, and the Dohm Classic was used in the second week. The results of the study showed that white noise machines improved sleep quality and could be a useful tool for improving sleep in noisy environments such as cities.
Can white noise soothe babies to sleep?
How well do white noise machines work on babies?
White noise will help babies sleep faster because they begin to associate it with sleep.
White noise can be beneficial to babies as it creates a soothing and comfortable environment that allows them to relax and sleep.
White noise machines can be set to play sounds that are related to the womb. For example, the heartbeat of the mother. A baby will feel more relaxed and ready to sleep if you create a sleep environment with familiar sounds.
How to choose a white noise machine?
The individual determines the best white noise machine for them.
Some people sleep better without background noise, while others may prefer a murmur. What type of white sound works best depends on the individual’s preferences.
White noise can be used to aid in falling asleep for some people, but it may also help others to sleep throughout the night.
Consider what features you want most before buying a white noise maker. These include price, sound, colour, volume control and timer. People who find it difficult to fall asleep, but do not usually wake during the night, may want to consider a sleep machine that has a timer.
A timer that counts down from 60 to 90 minutes can be used to help you fall asleep. It will turn off automatically after the specified amount of time, giving your auditory system some rest.
Wrapping up…
Sounds overwhelming? We’ve already searched the web to find the top white noise machines in Australia that suit a variety of uses and preferences. Check out our comprehensive buyer’s guide featuring our eight favourite options.
