If you're looking for ways to relax, focus on work, get a peaceful night's sleep or soothe a newborn, you might want to try white noise. But how can noise be used in a calming way?
In this article, we explain how it works, how it is produced, give some curiosities and information to find out more about this phenomenon.
What is white noise?
White noise is a mixture of sounds at different frequencies, combined simultaneously at the same intensity. The noise of a hairdryer or vacuum cleaner, for example, can act as white noise.
This type of sound causes the auditory threshold to reach its maximum level, which means that in the presence of white noise, the most intense auditory stimuli have less ability to activate the cerebral cortex during sleep.
Advantages of white noise
According to data from the Sleep Foundation, white noise blocks all noise whose frequencies vary in intensity and can minimize babies' crying as they fall asleep, improve work performance and help neutralize the symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Easier to sleep
Despite being a noise, it manages to disguise other sounds and create something for the mind to focus on, providing a deeper night's rest.
Greater concentration at work
Noise associated with work spaces can influence employee productivity. While white noise can relax the mind, it also helps increase concentration.
More relaxed babies
Babies can also benefit from white noise, as by imitating the sounds of the womb, they feel safer and more comfortable and thus enjoy a better night's sleep.
A study published in the scientific journal British Medical Journal (BMJ), carried out by researchers from the Royal Postgraduate Medical School, in the United Kingdom, concluded that when exposed to white noise, the probability of a baby falling asleep increases by more than three times.
Feel at home anywhere
Using white noise when traveling is a great technique for reducing stress when traveling - especially if this is an acquired routine.
Examples of white noise
We can all easily produce white noise at home, were it not for household appliances that are the most popular white noise emitters: the vacuum cleaner, hairdryer, washing machine, refrigerator or extractor fan.
Furthermore, there are videos on YouTube created for this purpose. There you will find sounds of wind in the forest, rain, running water, among others, to help you relax, sleep or stay focused.
LISTEN TO THE WIND IN THE FOREST
White noise can also naturally be found in calm music and in nature, through the sounds of wind, rain, waterfalls, among others. This is why we fall asleep more quickly with the sound of rain.
But don't forget that in addition to white noise, it is important to create a comfortable environment that invites you to relax and enjoy the best rest.
That's why it's so important to invest in a good bed, mattress and pillow, which ensure a space of balance, harmony and comfort. Choosing comfortable, quality textiles will add the finishing touch to your rest space.
CONCLUSION
Some of the research done in this area shows that white noise helps babies fall asleep faster and affected adults' time in different stages of sleep when heard during the night*.
Others show that 38% of adults also fell asleep faster and that white noise positively affected sleep*.
However, researchers consider there is a need for more scientific evidence, as there is still much to explore in this area.
Either way, the most important thing is to adopt a stable sleep routine or pattern. If only because according to a recent study from Harvard Medical School, in addition to the already known benefits, healthy sleep can extend life expectancy by up to 5 years. Good sleep!
LISTEN TO THE WIND IN THE FOREST
*Source: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/noise-and-sleep/white-noise
