Researchers have not specifically studied the effects of brown noise on sleep. However there are some
Gemma Paech, a senior lecturer at Newcastle University, and Gorica Mikic, a research fellow at Flinders University, set out to find out if the people on TikTok were right.
Auditory stimulation can improve memory inyoung healthy people. And the use of pink noise can increase slow-wave sleep (deep sleep) in the elderly. Several studies have directly examined how noise-enhancing sleep affects daytime mood and functioning. Ultimately, these are the benefits most of us seek from a good night's sleep.
Brown noise, like the better known white andpink noises, is an example of sonic hues. These are “constant” noises with minimal sonic variation—high, low, and changing speeds—compared to sounds such as music or reading aloud.
White noise describes sound that is evenly distributed over frequencies. It includes low, mid and high frequencies and sounds like radio interference.
Pink noise has more low frequency sounds and less high frequency sounds. It is lower and deeper than white noise, like constant rain.
Brown noise contains lower frequencies than white and pink noise. It sounds deeper, like a raging river or surf.
Some people are more sensitive to externalirritants than others. This includes human touch (such as hugs), strong odors, caffeine, bright lights or noise. Thus, one person may find the sound soothing or relaxing, while another finds it distracting and annoying.
Several theories may explain why some people perceive the benefits of sound tones.
1. Distraction and relaxation
Noise can redirect and distract you fromexcessive thinking or worry. Some research shows that listening to music helps people mentally relax, which can help them fall asleep. However, if your thoughts are disturbing or strong, noise alone may not be enough to distract the mind.
2. Sound masking
Our brain continues to process external sounds,when we are sleeping and loud noise can wake us up. But masking through constant background noise "muffles" isolated loud noises. In a quiet country town, the same car alarm or barking dog will sound much louder and more likely to wake us up than in a busy city center.
3. Classic conditioning
Classical conditioning is a waylearning that may explain how we respond to noise during sleep. If noise is relaxing, then combining noise with sleep can improve a person's ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Thus, noise is an increased stimulus for good sleep. If noise is annoying, it will interfere with sleep and be a reinforcing stimulus for interrupted sleep.
4. Auditory stimulation
Auditory stimulation is not specific to pink,white or brown noise. This involves playing low frequency tones in an attempt to "enhance" certain stages of sleep (such as "deep" sleep), possibly improving sleep quality.
Summing up, scientists note that TikTok users are partly right, because brown noise can actually help a person fall asleep.
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This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.