The Best Ambient Noises For Sleep
Noise has a significant and opposite impact on sleep. On the one hand, noise can be a strong deterrent to the body and mind being relaxed enough to fall asleep by engaging the brain and auditory organs. On the other hand, noise can help the brain relax by ‘swallowing’ other noises and letting the brain focus on it alone as background noise.
What makes these two effects different is the type of noise. Loud, dissonant, uproarious sounds will give the first effect, while sound at particular frequencies will give the other. The second type of noise is commonly known as ambient noise, which also means background noise for how the brain treats these noises as background lull for sleep.
In this article, we’ll discuss some popular types of noise that fall under the ambient category and how they can help you fall asleep.
White Noise
White noise is one of the most typical types of noise people use to fall asleep. White noise, like white light, is a sound that contains all frequencies of audible sounds. Because of that, white noise absorbs other noises in the background, making them non-disruptive to the brain.
You can download a free white noise app for iPhone that works as a sleep aid because the brain registers it as ambient noise. This means that it can pass off as background sound, which the brain neither focuses on nor is disturbed by. Familiar sources of white noise include TV static, white noise apps, whirring fans, humming air conditioners, and white noise machines.
ASMR
Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) describes the pleasant scalp tingling and deep relaxation experienced in response to certain sounds. There are many ASMR stimulants, including ASMR, from eating, sounds, and visuals.
In recent times, ASMR has become a sleep aid and here’s how it works. Some sounds, like whispering, can trigger the brain to feel very relaxed. When the brain feels relaxed, it’s easy to fall asleep. ASMR also helps to drain stress, depression, and anxiety, three factors that increase insomnia.
Some sound triggers for sleep ASMR include crisp sounds, slow movements, and whispering.
Calming Music
Studies have established a link between music and mood. Now, music could also be a sleep aid. However, it all depends on the type of music. Loud, raucous music tends not to encourage relaxation and will not work as a sleep aid. But calm music and melodies like you’ll get from some classical tunes are great for ambient sleep noises.
Music also drowns out other disruptive sounds while the brain relaxes into sleep. Studies show that incorporating music into your bedtime routine increases its efficiency as a sleep aid.
Nature Sounds
The brain associates specific nature sounds with relaxation and comfort. These sounds induce relaxation and eventual sleep. Some of them are general mood lifters, and they reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Sounds like the crackle of wood in a campfire, the wind blowing through leaves and trees, or the sounds of birds and insects in nature. You can get nature sounds on a sleep aid sounds app like Pzizz or Calm.
Water Sounds
Water Sounds are known to be highly effective as sleep aids. Just like nature sounds, water sounds have a rhythmic quality that makes them great at being ambient noises. They can drown out disruptive background sounds when used as a sleep aid.
They don’t just help to put the body to sleep, they also encourage deeper sleep. Common water sounds include rainfall, waves, streams, and running water.
Conclusion
Ambient noises have to be able to drown other background sounds without being disruptive themselves. These sounds above meet that requirement and have been proven to work effectively as ambient sounds. When used in the right sleep environment, they help you fall asleep faster, improve sleep depth, and improve overall sleep health.
