Brown Noise: sound therapy for well-being
Index
You've probably already heard about white noise (white noise) and pink noise: two categories of sounds that have gained recognition for their unique abilities to create sound environments ideal for relaxation, focus and deep sleep.
As the science of sound and sleep advances, new discoveries and practices are constantly emerging.
A solution that has been gaining prominence recently is “brown noise”. Unlike traditional sounds, brown noise is much more than a simple sound technique: it is a tool with remarkable benefits for the mind and body.
Discover how this sound technique can be the key to more restful nights' sleep, more productive study sessions and a general state of calm and focus.
What is Brown Noise?
Brown noise, is a specific type of sound characterized by its constant energy distribution in relation to sound frequencies. This distribution means that the lower frequencies (bass sounds) have a stronger presence than the higher frequencies (treble sounds), creating a smooth and uniform sound.
The well-known newspaper The Guardian defines brown noise as “the familiar, static sound of white noise... but with the low-frequency notes turned up and the less pleasant high-frequency notes turned down.”
It is called "brown" due to the analogy with colors of the visible light spectrum, where lower frequencies appear darker. Brown noise is a soft, constant and balanced sound that is appreciated for its benefits on sleep, concentration and well-being.
The brown noise is similar to the sound of water running smoothly, the sound of wind or tree leaves being moved by the wind. Due to its continuous and constant nature, it is often used to mask unwanted noise in noisy environments, making it useful for improving sleep and concentration. It can also be used in therapies or treatments, with the aim of creating a sound environment conducive to relaxation and focus.
In recent years, brown noise has become a popular tool for controlling ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), anxiety, insomnia and other conditions of stress.
The science behind brown noise
The “magic” of brown noise lies in the way our ears perceive different sound frequencies.
Inside the inner ear, there are fibers in the cochlea which are sensitive to different sound frequencies. This sensitivity allows us to hear sounds in a certain range: higher-pitched sounds seem louder, while lower-pitched sounds have a deeper feel.
The name brown noise, in English, did not just come from a color, but rather do Brownian Motion: a phenomenon identified by Scottish biologist Robert Brown in 1827.
Robert Brown focused on studying the behavior of pollen particles in water. To better understand its movements, he created a formula that allowed him to predict them. When used to generate electronic sounds, this formula results in the famous “brown noise”.
Examples of brown noise
Brown noise is not as common in everyday life as other types of noise (such as white noise or pink), which are more noticeable in everyday situations.
However, despite not being pure brown noise, there are some sounds that may be familiar to us and that contain similar characteristics.
- Heavy rain: The sound of heavy rain falling on solid surfaces, such as a window or roof, can have brown noise characteristics due to its continuous nature and the predominance of lower frequencies.
- Waterfall: The sound of a waterfall in which water falls continuously can be close to brown noise thanks to its constancy and the sound of waterfalls.
- Ceiling fan/air conditioning: When a ceiling fan or AC is turned on at a moderate or high speed, the sound produced may be similar to brown noise as it is continuous and creates a constant background of sound.
- Wind passing through the leaves of the trees: When wind blows through tree leaves, it creates a soft, steady sound that can be similar to brown noise.
What are the benefits of “brown noise”?
Brown noise has been associated with several benefits, especially when used in sound therapy, relaxation and sleep contexts.
However, it is important to remember that the experience of benefits may vary from person to person. There are people who see brown noise as relaxing, while others may not feel any specific effect. It is a type of sound that can be reproduced and perceived, but its impact is subjective and may depend on individual preferences and sensibilities.
Still, among the various benefits associated with brown noise, the following stand out:
- Promoting relaxation: The steady, gentle nature of this sound can create a peaceful atmosphere, making it useful in moments of meditation or simply calming the mind, helping you relax and reduce stress;
- Sleep improvement: Brown noise is often used as a sleep aid. It has the ability to “mask” other annoying sounds, such as street noises or background noises, allowing for a quieter environment that allows you to fall asleep more quickly. Additionally, the constant sound of brown noise can help maintain a deep sleep state;
- Increased focus and concentration: Some people use brown noise to improve concentration and focus, especially in noisy environments or when they need to block out certain noise distractions;
- Relief from ringing in the ears: For those who suffer from ringing in the ears, the use of brown noise can be a source of relief, as it can provide a certain degree of comfort;
- Anxiety reduction: The constant, predictable nature of brown noise can help calm symptoms of anxiety and tension. Although this relationship is still being studied, brown noise can benefit general relaxation and stress reduction, creating a more stable sound environment;
- Sound therapy: Some therapists use brown noise as part of their therapeutic practices to help patients relax and relieve stress.
Brown noise for studying
Although there is still a need for more studies to fully understand the specific effects of brown noise on studying, it has been widely praised online for its potential benefits related to concentration and learning. Some of the positive observations include:
- Better ability to concentrate and increase productivity at work;
- Improvement of logical thinking and problem-solving skills;
- Potential to improve learning capacity;
- Reduction of stress levels.
These are just some of the advantages that have been associated with the use of brown noise for studying, demonstrating that it can have a positive impact on cognition and general well-being, but there is still no concrete scientific evidence to prove it!
Brown noise to help with ADHD symptoms? TikTok says yes!
In recent years, the brown noise phenomenon has also begun to gain visibility among TikTok users, who claim that this can be a quick and easy solution to many attention problems.
Brown noise is quite popular among community of ADHD on Tiktok, this community being one of the main responsible for the recent popularity of this type of sounds, which grows every day.
Contextualizing: the ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that is generally diagnosed in childhood and lasts into adulthood.
People with ADHD may have difficulty paying attention, have difficulty controlling impulsivity, or be overly active. Additionally, people with ADHD have lower levels of dopamine (the hormone responsible for attention, memory and motivation) and may feel overstimulated in any environment.
A hashtag #brownnoise has more than 77 million views on TikTok and, on the platform, there are several people with ADHD, anxiety or stress problems who say that this sound therapy helped them a lot to deal with their symptoms.
Credits: TikTok (@hannahemaute | @htizz)
The truth: Unlike medication and therapy, brown noise is free and easy to incorporate into a daily routine, but still, it is not - at all! - the cure for these types of conditions that always require professional monitoring.
Brown noise, white noise and pink noise: what distinguishes them?
Brown noise, White noise (white noise) and Pink noise are three different types of noise, each with distinct characteristics. They are the best known and most studied, because science has found a clearer consensus on how to reproduce them as closely as possible.
O white noise is often described as being something similar to static. Just like white light that emits all visible light pigments with equal intensity, white noise combines sounds from all audible frequencies. White noise has a more “churning” sound quality compared to brown noise.
Compared to white noise, the pink noise has more energy at lower frequencies and less energy at higher frequencies. It is called "pink" because of the similarity to pink light, which is white light filtered to emphasize the lower frequencies of the color spectrum.
O brown noise contains the same frequencies as white noise, but reproduces low frequencies at a louder level, and high frequencies at a softer level.
Easy Access to Brown Noise: The Best Options Available
With a vast catalog of options available online, finding the right platform to enjoy brown noise can seem like a challenging task. We give you some tips!
YouTube: YouTube has a wide variety of videos and channels dedicated to different types of ambient noise sounds, including brown noise. Simply search for the term to find several options.
Ambient Noise Applications: There are many apps available for iOS and Android devices that offer a variety of ambient noise sounds, from white noise to brown noise, among others.
Spotify: Some music streaming services, such as Spotify, have specific playlists or ambient noise tracks. Just try the different options, choose your favorite and enjoy!
Remember that sound quality can vary between different devices, so it's best to try several options to find the one that best suits your relaxation, concentration or sleep needs.
Does brown noise work to improve sleep?
Yes, brown noise can also help you get a good night's sleep. Studies show that sounds like white noise, brown noise and pink noise positively affect focus and productivity.
The ability of this type of noise to mask distracting environmental noise can provide a more consistent and relaxing sound environment for sleep. Still, its effectiveness varies from person to person.
For some people, brown noise is considered more beneficial for sleep than brown noise. white noise, as it can be seen as more relaxing and less distracting compared to white noise. The natural sound characteristics of brown noise have a soothing effect on our ears, almost like a lullaby.
Furthermore, because it contains lower frequencies, brown noise has the ability to calm the mind and body, making it more effective in helping you fall asleep.
However, to make the most of the benefits of brown noise and ensure a great night's rest, it is important to do the right choices when it comes to sleep! At Colmol, we are committed to designing items of exceptional comfort and support that perfectly complement the tranquility of brown noise.
Our team of Sleep Specialists provides personalized advice daily, adapted to the needs of each client who seeks us. If you are looking for this specialized help, you can contact us directly through:
- call +351 300 600 110
- or send us your questions to suporte@colmol.pt
We are always available to help you… and your sleep 🧡