Green noise is a variation of white noise that amplifies mid-range frequencies at a uniform intensity. It sounds like ocean waves or a brook and can help mask noisy environments that disrupt sleep. While there is limited research on the benefits of green noise for sleep, many experts suggest that experimenting with sounds like white noise and green noise can help determine if they work for you and your sleep.
Many people use white noise to block out ambient noise and help them sleep better. Other “colors” of sound, such as pink, brown, and green, are also being touted as helpful for sleep. While research on the effects of green noise on sleep is limited, it is gaining popularity on social media as a useful tool for helping people fall asleep faster.
What Does Green Noise Sound Like?
Green noise is a type of sound that amplifies mid-range frequencies at a uniform intensity. This makes it sound more natural and soothing than white noise, which retains high frequencies, creating a continuous hissing sound similar to the static of a television or radio. Green noise mimics natural sounds, such as the ocean or a stream, more effectively than white noise. Dr. Abhinav Singh, a sleep physician, says that different frequency concentrations are grouped as colors, with white having a hissy tone, green having more mid-range, and brown having more bass range.
Pink and brown noise are similar to green noise and focus on mid-range and lower frequencies. Pink noise is said to have a more natural sound, like a sprinkler or falling rain, while brown noise, which focuses on lower tones, sounds more like thunder or a jet engine.
How Can Green Noise Benefit You?
While limited data is available on the benefits of green noise for sleep. Many people are promoting its use to help them sleep better. Research has evaluated the benefits of white and pink noise for sleep and has found mixed results.
Some studies suggest that people who have trouble sleeping in noisy environments may get better sleep when they use white noise at night. Other studies have found that adults may fall asleep faster when they listen to white noise before bed. White noise may also improve cognitive symptoms in people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and memory in older adults with Alzheimer’s.
Pink noise, similar to green noise in its soothing sound, may improve sleep quality. Some experts believe that green noise may be even more effective for sleep than white noise because it removes the higher, harsher frequencies of white noise.
While there isn’t much research on green noise. Some people have reported that it helps them relax, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality. Green noise can be a helpful way to calm your body and mind before bed, especially for those who have trouble relaxing or slowing down their thoughts.
Who can benefit most from green noise?
There isn’t enough research to know who might benefit most from green noise. However, people who need to block out ambient noise may want to see if green noise helps them sleep.
For example, shift workers who need to sleep when external noises. Such as city traffic, which is particularly loud, may benefit from a sound machine. Additionally, there is evidence that babies can benefit from sounds at night, which may contribute to a shorter crying period.
Green noise can also be beneficial for people who experience racing thoughts and anxiety at night. Its sounds can give them something to focus on instead of unwanted thoughts. However, it’s important to remember that personal preference also plays a role in choosing a sound to sleep to.
