The color of a noise is determined by its mix of frequencies.

That steady hum of white noise is produced by equal distribution of energy across all audible frequencies.

The low frequencies of brown noise create a deeper sound that many people find soothing.

drawing of girl lying in bed listening to brown noise

Verywell / Theresa Chiechi

There’s also potential beyond relaxation.

Andrew Kahn, PsyD

People with anxiety tend to be on high alert…

Whereas the high frequencies of white noise exacerbated symptoms, brown noise helped to mask them.

He urges people to practice caution when reading results.

And if those aren’t available to you, there are always alternatives.

Music composerNikhil Kopardeworks specifically in soothing sounds.

Apps, videos, and recordings are easy to find on YouTube and music streaming apps.

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Yoon H, Baek HJ.External auditory stimulation as a non-pharmacological sleep aid.Sensors.

2022;22(3):1264. doi:10.3390/s22031264