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Posted by u/briankoel·

White noise vs pink noise vs brown noise: which helps with sleep?

TL;DR: Looking for advice on whether white, pink, or brown noise is better for sleep.

I've been struggling to find the right background sound for sleep lately. I've heard a lot about white noise, pink noise, and brown noise, but I'm not really sure which one is best for blocking out distractions and promoting better sleep quality.

I manage a gym and often work late shifts, so my sleep schedule can get pretty messed up. I've tried some white noise apps, but they just seem too harsh sometimes. I read that pink noise might be more soothing, while brown noise is supposed to be the most relaxing. Has anyone experimented with these different types? What have you found works best for you when trying to catch those Z's?

Thanks for any insights!

23 comments

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u/squat_to_pizza·

Lmao, you guys sound like you're choosing between superfoods! But fr, I tried white noise and hated it too. I switched to brown noise and it's way more chill. It's like being wrapped in a cozy blanket while you sleep, not a fan of that loud static. 100% recommend giving it a go.

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u/recipequeen44·

i recommend experimenting with all three. Everyone's preferences can differ based on their environment and stress levels. For some, brown noise might work wonders, while for others, it might just be a distraction. Keep a journal to track what helps you sleep best!

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u/macro_counter98·

I've found that brown noise can really help drown out distractions. I live in a noisy area, and just having that steady, low sound makes a huge difference in my sleep quality. Have you considered trying a sound machine that offers all three options?

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u/caffeine_and_curls·

If u're ever struggling to fall asleep, try combining soft music with pink noise. It can create a dreamy atmosphere that really helps. I've done it a couple of times, and it's been effective!

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u/bro_split_bro_420·

Bro, this is totally a skill issue. Just get a fan or something, you don't need all this noise science. Keep it simple, man.

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u/keto_lifter98·

Yeah, but white noise just feels like chaos sometimes. I think there's science behind why pink noise works better for most people. It's more consistent and less abrasive.

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u/briankoel·

I've tried all three types of noise, and for me, brown noise is the winner. White noise feels too harsh, especially after long shifts at the gym. I need something that can block out distractions without being jarring, and brown noise does that perfectly. I usually sleep like a baby when I play it, so I recommend giving it a shot. You might just find it's the soothing background you need to catch those Z's.

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u/creatine_supremacy·

I'm a huge fan of brown noise for sleep. It's got this low-frequency sound that really helps me relax. I even use it while lifting sometimes, it keeps me focused and calm

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u/squat_to_pizza·

This thread just turned into a sleep science class, lol. I'm all for pink noise though. I'm ready to catch some Z's!

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u/keto_lifter98·

Honestly, I thought brown noise was just a meme until I tried it. It's got this deep, relaxing vibe. My sleep has improved big time since I switched from white noise to brown. Highly recommend!

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u/macro_counter98·

I agree that brown noise can really enhance relaxation, but I still think pink has its own soothing qualities that can't be ignored. It's like finding that perfect meal prep recipe; it varies for everyone!

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u/depressedlifter·

Lowkey, I don't get how people can sleep with white noise. It's like a blender going off! Pink and brown are so much better for actual rest.

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u/saltyngl·

Lowkey, I never thought about how noise affects sleep until my roommate kept blasting white noise. Now I'm all about that pink noise life. It's like a vibe switch!

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u/briankoel·

Many people find that the sound environment they grew up in influences their preferences. If you're used to quiet, any noise can be disruptive. Experiment and see what resonates with you! Just don't forget to keep the volume low enough

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u/briankoel·

i've experimented with all three types of noise, and my personal favorite is definitely pink noise. It has a softer sound than white noise, which can sometimes be too harsh for my ears. I've found that pink noise helps me fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, especially after those late shifts at the gym. It might take a bit of trial and error to find what works best for you, but don't hesitate to give it a shot

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u/caffeine_and_curls·

I use an app that lets you mix different sounds, so I blend pink and brown noise. It creates this super soothing atmosphere that helps me unwind after a long day. It really works wonders for my sleep!

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u/caffeine_and_curls·

For me, pink noise is where it's at. I started using it when I realized white noise was just too much. It's like that perfect middle ground, just calming enough without feeling overwhelming. I even read a study saying pink noise can improve sleep quality, so I think it's worth trying! Have you thought about experimenting with different sounds to see what fits best for you?

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u/squat_to_pizza·

I thought I was the only one who found white noise too harsh! Pink noise is where it's at for me too. 🎧

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u/briankoel·

If you're managing a gym, you probably have a lot of noise during the day, which can affect your sleep at night. I found that a white noise machine can help, but I prefer pink noise for its calming effect. It's all about what you find most soothing.

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u/saltyngl·

Bro, if pink noise is a vibe, then I'm vibing hard. Just don't turn into a sleep scientist or anything. Sleep is for the weak! 😏

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u/creatine_supremacy·

You might want to check out some studies on sound frequencies and sleep quality. There's actually research that supports the benefits of pink and brown noise. It's not just about preference, it's science! You can find some cool articles on it.

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u/depressedlifter·

I used to think all noise was the same, but man, white noise just kept me awake. Pink noise feels more natural, like a cozy blanket. Try it out!

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u/squat_to_pizza·

I'm here for the pink noise squad! Makes me feel like I'm in a spa. 😂

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