Sleep Music & White Noise: How Do They Help You Get Some Rest?

Maybe you’ve tried everything to get a good night’s rest.

You read before bed. You don’t use your electronics. You even get outside during the day. But you still struggle. 

Or perhaps your apartment or home has ultra-thin walls. You can hear your neighbors no matter what time of day or night it is! And maybe, to your dismay, one neighbor does a late-night workout while the other blasts their blender at ungodly hours in the morning (I’m currently dealing with the latter). So, what can you do?

Well, sleep music might be exactly what you need to drown out the noise and ease into sleep. Many people find white noise, in particular, helps them fall asleep easier (I can attest to that!) and stay asleep with little to no interruption.

So, let’s dig into this topic further.

What kind of sleep music should you try?

How does white noise even work?

What is White Noise?

According to WebMD, “38% of people [fall] asleep faster listening to white noise.” Many parents use white noise to help their kids develop positive sleep habits. But here’s the thing: It’s not just for kids!

The Sleep Foundation defines white noise as, “a noise that contains all frequencies across the spectrum of audible sound in equal measure.” 

Sometimes referred to as “broadband noise,” white noise essentially uses this mix of frequencies to create a static sound. This mix of frequencies tends to drown out other noise, masking any disruptive frequencies and allowing you to sleep more easily.

This is why it’s frequently the sleep music of choice for children and adults alike (more on this below).

Why Do People Listen to White Noise?

People listen to white noise to sleep or to simply drown out distractions. In fact, it’s not just about sleep. Some individuals use white noise for enhanced focus and improved working memory.

Yet, on the flip side, there is some evidence indicating that a constant stream of auditory input can overstimulate your auditory cortex. However, this isn’t always the case. As with anything, it comes down to an individual basis. 

Related Article: 5 Sleep-Inducing Ways to a Cozy & Peaceful Bedroom Sanctuary

Is There a Free White Noise App?

If you want to use white noise for sleep (or focus), there are many ways to do this without spending a dime. If you have a Google Home, all you need to do is say, “Okay, Google, play white noise.” Boom, free white noise. The same goes for Amazon’s Alexa. 

You could also use YouTube or any other music app to play white noise. Most music applications have white noise or sleep music tracks that are pretty easy to find just by searching.

What is the Best Music to Go to Sleep By?

Alright, so sleep music doesn’t have to be white noise.

There are a few more types of sleep music you might want to try, especially if white noise doesn’t work for you. Here’s a brief list:

• Solfeggio frequencies: These are nine tones derived from so-called “sacred” music dating back centuries. These frequencies are thought to have healing effects and may help promote sleep. They also make for great meditative music!
• Instrumental music: This means instruments, no vocals. Often, when used for sleep, this also means piano or classical-style music, which has been shown to lower blood pressure and enhance relaxation.
• Nature sounds: Some individuals find natural sounds, like ocean waves or rain, help them ease into sleep better. In fact, there is evidence that these sounds help induce relaxation within the brain. Thus, you could even listen to these leading up to your bedtime.
• Binaural beats: This involves two differing frequencies played in each ear. This type of music can help enhance certain brain waves or frequencies which promote sleep.

Again, it’s solely dependent on the individual as to what works for them and their sleep. We suggest trying out differing sleep music options. Try them before bed or while you’re falling asleep. 

It may take some trial and error, but once you find what works, this will often help your brain figure out that a specific sound is associated with sleep. This will, then, help you fall asleep easier or even stay asleep better (especially if you have loud-ish neighbors or roommates!).

Related Article: 10 Ways to Help You Fall Back Asleep After Waking Up in the Night

Use the Power of Sound to Sleep More Peacefully

Finding your specific sleep music is a wonderful trick to get that good night’s rest. Arguably, sleep is one of the most important pieces when it comes to our health and wellness. It can make or break our day, as well as impact our mood, energy, and performance. 

Ultimately, we all want to be at our very best. And this all starts with a good night’s sleep. Try out the sleep music above! Maybe it’s exactly what’s been missing from your sleep routine.

Read Next: 18 Tips For Better Sleep At Night

Photo by Elviss Railijs Bitāns