A constant sound that can transform your sleep quality.
Find your ideal time to sleep or wake up
Calculate my sleep cycles →White noise is a steady, uniform sound that contains all audible frequencies at the same intensity. Think of the sound of a fan, the static of an untuned radio, or constant rain. It is a "wall of sound" that masks environmental noises that might wake you up or prevent you from falling asleep.
It works because your brain processes changes in sound, not the sound itself. A dripping faucet does not wake you because of its volume, but because of the irregularity of the "drip… drip… drip" against the silence. White noise eliminates those contrasts by filling the auditory space with a uniform sound.
| Type | Characteristics | Sounds like... |
|---|---|---|
| White | All frequencies, same intensity. More high-pitched. | TV static, powerful fan |
| Pink | More power in low frequencies. Softer and more natural. | Steady rain, distant waterfall |
| Brown | Even deeper and more profound. Very relaxing. | Distant thunder, fast-flowing river |
Pink noise is generally the most recommended for sleep because it is more pleasant to listen to and resembles natural sounds. Brown noise is ideal for those who prefer deeper, more profound sounds. Try all three and choose the one you find most comfortable.
It should be loud enough to mask ambient noises, but not so loud that it is annoying or damages your hearing. A level similar to a soft conversation (40–50 decibels) is ideal. If you need to turn it up too high, consider using special sleep headphones.
You do not need to buy a special device. You can use:
Avoid using headphones at high volume all night, as this can affect your hearing long-term. If you use headphones, choose ones specifically designed for sleep (flat and soft) and keep them at low volume.