We always say that noise makes people sleepless and upset, but there is a kind of noise that has a complete "reverse effect". It can make most people sleep sweeter, more concentrated and emotionally stable. So what kind of noise can have such a magical effect?

It is the sound of falling rain on a rainy day, the sound of running water in the mountains, the sound of birds in the forest, and it is a gift from nature to mankind-white noise. So what is white noise and why is it so powerful?

What is White Noise?

White noise means that the power of frequency components in a sound is uniform throughout the audible range. Since white light is a mixture of monochromatic lights of various frequencies (colors), the flat power spectrum of this signal is called "white".

In contrast, other noises that do not have this property are called colored noises.

Of course, absolutely ideal white noise does not exist, but sounds from nature such as rain, running water, and birdsong are the sounds closest to white noise in the real world.

The reason why ordinary noise is harsh is because it is a sound produced by irregular vibrations, and the power of frequency components is uneven and disorderly in the audible range.

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Having said that, the magical effect of white noise is due to its relatively uniform sound.

Our auditory system is like an alarm system, which is on standby at any time. If noise appears suddenly or continuously, it will cause irritability. It is easy to be awakened during sleep and cause insomnia. The white noise is relatively uniform and the volume is adapted to the human body. Sounds within the range can have a soothing effect on us. If you feel that this description is still too abstract, please see the following example.

For example, when we go to the beach, we hear the sound of waves hitting the rocks, or the sound of raindrops on the ground. Try to recall whether we heard this sound? Not only will it not make us feel irritable, but will gradually calm the mind? Are these sounds at a relatively uniform frequency?

It is precisely because of this characteristic that countless white noise websites and apps have appeared on the market, and the categories of white noise are also different, which can be used by people on different occasions and time periods.

The Benefits of White Noise

In addition, white noise is still a treatment method in some countries, and has a positive effect on symptoms such as insomnia and inattention.

In view of the current environmental situation, white noise has three excellent characteristics, as follows:

1. Relieve symptoms of insomnia

The city is fast-paced, and more and more people are suffering from insomnia, dreaminess and other symptoms due to increasing stress. In this case, we can try to use white noise to help sleep and relieve negative emotions.

2. concentrate

Some people who are often polluted by environmental noise or those who are not concentrating and easily distracted also use white noise to help them concentrate and restore the efficiency of work and study, such as some students or office workers.

3. make babies and toddlers stop crying

Newborn parents can use white noise to try to stop the baby from crying, because the baby has just left the mother’s womb and came to an unfamiliar environment. This requires an adaptation process for them, and some unfamiliar sounds in our living environment sometimes Make them feel uneasy and irritable. They prefer the noise in the womb, and white noise is similar to the sound they are familiar with. Therefore, when many newborn babies are upset, they will quiet down when they hear white noise.

Why is white noise so powerful?

Seeing this, some readers may ask, what role can white noise play in a relatively noisy environment?Isn't it noisier to hear white noise in a noisy environment?The answer is no!

Because white noise has the ability to "shield other sounds", this ability can make it weaken some noise.

We can think of white noise as a kind of background music. Other noises are mixed into this background music and become blurred, just like a single beam of light at night is very dazzling, but once it is daytime, it mixes with daylight. We will not notice this light.

Here is an analogy to explain why white noise can alleviate insomnia: at night we are in a noisy environment (the rumbling of the railway, the barking of dogs, the snoring of our spouse, etc.), these noises make us unable to sleep. At this time, if we play white noise or hear white noise, although these noisy noises cannot be completely isolated, it can have a better neutralizing effect, so that our brains do not pay attention to which noises. This is why Many people like to listen to a period of white noise before going to bed.

How to use it for better sleep ？

Nowadays, most people live in cities, and listening to pure natural sounds has gradually become a luxury. Fortunately, in addition to natural white noise, we have many ways to obtain sounds similar to white noise can also soothe body and mind. For example, we can download various white noise apps, or search for white noise on audio channels. It is recommended to select white noise that mimics and records natural sounds.

We can also use the small objects around us, such as electric fans, air conditioners, wind chimes, etc. I believe that many readers and friends have had the experience of turning on the air conditioner and electric fan on a hot summer day, listening to the sound of the electric fan and the air conditioner and falling asleep quietly.

Of course, in addition to these two sounds, there must be countless sounds that make people comfortable and help improve sleep. There will also be many readers who have special habit of sleeping sounds, such as not listening to the sound of flipping books, and the sound of TV.

Some tips about white noise:

1. Natural white noise is the first choice, it has no harm and side effects.

2. Artificial white noise should not be used daily, which will cause a certain degree of dependence.

3. When using man-made white noise, try to keep the sound source away from yourself and infants, and lower the volume. Note that it is not advisable to wear headphones to listen to white noise.

If you want to improve the quality of sleep or mediate and relieve your mood, please listen to a period of white noise and feel a different peace.