White noise devices help block out ambient noise, which can help some people sleep. Some people also use white noise machines to help them focus or to calm toddlers.
What is a white noise device?
White noise devices emit sounds designed to help people relax or fall asleep. White noise has a fixed frequency and pitch, which can mask distracting sounds such as snoring, noise from outside the neighborhood, or thunderstorms. People can use portable white noise machines to block out sounds when traveling or working.
Benefits of White Noise Machines
White noise machines can promote restful sleep, improve cognitive abilities, and help children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) focus on tasks. A small 2020 study found that listening to 75-decibel white noise helped elementary school students with ADHD focus in class and adopt better sleep practices at home, even though white noise was only played during class. Writing about how white noise can improve sleep for people living in noisy environments, the authors of a small 2021 study said white noise machines helped reduce sleep disturbances.
A 2016 study looking at the effect of white noise on people in coronary care found that white noise machines also helped participants block out ambient noise. White noise also reduced the time it took them to fall asleep and increased the quality and duration of their sleep.
Additionally, a 2017 study found that using white noise in learning exercises helped adults without health or cognition problems remember and retain new words better than those who didn’t. white noise. This suggests that white noise machines can improve cognitive performance.
How to Choose a White Noise Machine
Here are some factors to consider when buying a white noise machine:
– Non-repetitive sounds: Some people may find it easier to sleep if the white noise machine plays non-repetitive sounds.
– Volume and Tone Control: One may wish to purchase a machine that allows him to adjust the volume and tone of sounds.
– Sleep timers: Some people may wish to purchase a white noise machine that has a sleep timer. These devices automatically stop broadcasting sounds after a set period of time.
– Headphone connectivity: People who share their room with other people may want to buy a white noise machine that has a headphone jack or Bluetooth connectivity.
– Projection of images: Some devices project images on the wall while broadcasting sounds. This can be beneficial for infants and young children.
– Price: You have to consider your budget when buying a white noise machine. More expensive devices can output a wider range of white and ambient sounds, like the sound of the ocean.
How to use a white noise machine
One can use white noise machines to block out ambient noise when one wants to sleep, work or travel.
Although each white noise machine may have a different user manual, it generally requires:
1 Plug in the machine or insert batteries and turn it on.
2 Scroll through the sounds.
3 Adjust the volume and frequency of sounds.
4 Set an auto-off sleep timer.
If a person uses headphones, they must connect them to the white noise machine.
Can white noise be harmful?
Although white noise can be beneficial, people should pay attention to the white noise volume of their machine. Especially if they use it to soothe infants.
A 2014 study published in the journal Pediatrics found that white noise machines can make noises loud enough, if set incorrectly, to cause hearing damage in infants. This noise level can also affect certain aspects of development, such as speech and language development.
Therefore, parents and caregivers should use white noise machines:
– at the lowest volume setting
– for short periods
– remotely, placing the machine as far away from the child as possible.
White noise machines with a sleep timer automatically turn off the noise once the infant has fallen asleep.
Adults should not increase the volume of a white noise machine above 70 decibels. . Any sound above 85 decibels can cause long-term hearing damage.
Other Options
A range of white noise apps are available on smartphones and other smart devices. People may prefer an app as a more portable alternative to a white noise machine.
Alternative methods of masking disturbing noises while resting or sleeping include sleeping headphones and earplugs.
In addition to masking noises, people can try other methods to induce sleep, such as:
– going to bed at the same time every day
– do something relaxing before bed, such as taking a warm bath
– use blinds or blackout curtains to block the light in the room
– minimize background noise and disturbances
– soundproof the bedroom if the person lives in a noisy environment.
If a person cannot sleep because of another family member’s snoring, they can use earplugs. If possible, people can reduce the risk of snoring by avoiding drinking alcohol before bed and by sleeping on their back. Sleeping on your side or with your head slightly elevated can also help.
Frequently Asked Questions About White Noise Devices
Is it better to sleep without a white noise device?
Whether you sleep with or without a white noise device is a matter of personal preference. White noise can help people fall asleep faster and provide them with more restful sleep. Some people may use a white noise machine to block out ambient noise at work or while traveling.
What is the best white noise machine?
There is no better white noise device. People should consider their individual needs when purchasing a white noise machine. Some people will prefer a portable machine, while others will prefer a product with a wider range of sounds.
Is rain white noise?
Many white noise machines feature rain sounds. However, rain is pink noise because it usually has a lower frequency than white noise.
Résumé
White noise machines can help improve sleep quality and concentration for adults and children. Many white noise machines are available with various additional features, including sleep timers, natural sounds, and portability. However, while white noise machines can be beneficial, they can cause hearing damage if a person uses them for long periods of time. They can also exceed volume limits that experts recommend for infants. It is therefore recommended to use white noise machines at low volume and to place the device away from the bed or crib.