Alaska Sleep Education Center

Sound Sleep Aids: Types, Benefits, Safe Use, & Side Effects

Have you ever wanted to sleep but couldnt Or perhaps you are thinking a lot of things that your brain keeps you awake Sleeping is essential to us When we are sick or just tired we want to close our eyes and refresh our bodies
So when we want to sleep but we cant find a way to do it we usually resort to various sleeping aids Some find listening to music relaxing and helps them fall asleep while some prefer to take sleeping pills
However not all these methods could work so people check other ways Thanks to the advancement of our technologies youll find various pieces of equipment thatll help you fall asleep When people do their research on devices to help them sleep theyll find various websites such as Sleeping Aid Machine
This article will cover different sound types benefits safety and side effects
 
Types Of Sound To Help Us Sleep Well
Many sound machines became sleep aids because our sounds can help our brain feel more relaxed Your brain continuously processes the sound that you hear affecting your sleeping condition
Sleep aids produce sounds that help us fall asleep Sounds come in various colors but the three types that can help us with our sleep are pink noise white noise and brown red noise
The color of sounds that we hear is determined by energy To put it simply itll depend on the distribution of energy over different frequencies or the speed of sound
The sounds will help you fall asleep better and at the same time help you get extended sleep which helps in weight loss according to studies
Pink Noise
Pink noise consists of all the frequencies we can hear However their energy isnt equally distributed Its more intense in lower frequencies creating deep sleep for people with trouble getting sleep
A perfect example of pink noise is the sound you hear in nature Rusting leaves wind heartbeats and steady rain are the most common sounds
Youll find pink noise to be flat or even to human ears
 
White Noise
White noise is probably the most common one among the other colors It is commonly used to treat sleeping disorders such as insomnia as it has all the audible frequencies and unlike pink noise the frequencies get the energy equally
The equal distribution produces a continuous humming sound
The most common examples of white noise we can hear are whirring fans hissing radiators and humming air conditioners
The humming sound produced has the same intensity Therefore it can mask loud sounds that can stimulate our brains
 
Brown Noise
Brown noise sometimes called red noise by some people produces higher energy at lower frequencies making the sounds much deeper than pink and white noise Some examples are strong waterfalls and thunder
According to studies brown noise can be useful in reducing the symptoms of people who suffer from tinnitus or ringing sounds in their ears It can also contribute to enhancing cognitive skills
There isnt enough study that can support its effectiveness when it comes to improving sleeping conditions However there is anecdotal evidence that brown noise can help our brains relax
 
The Benefits Safety and Side Effects
All the sounds mentioned above can be produced using devices meaning you dont need to repeatedly go to pharmacies for sleeping pills You just need to buy one device and itll last for years and give you a relaxing sleep
You also dont need to go to your doctor for a prescription as anyone can purchase a sleeping aid You can even use it for your babies to help them sleep well
They are highly safe and non invasive Sleeping pills contain addictive contents making us more dependent on them
For instance most over the counter sleeping pills contain an antihistamine which sedative effects tolerance can develop faster Some people take valerian and melatonin supplements to help them sleep faster Although melatonin is a hormone in our bodies that promotes sleep according to experts melatonin poisoning in children has increased
However there is also a low risk of dependence when it comes to using sleeping aids that produce sounds especially for babies Infants can become more reliant on the sound machine
It would be very problematic if you were on a trip and forgot to bring the machine with you
Some babies and adults dont like specific sounds too so its best to identify which sound helps you feel more relaxed
Aside from the ones mentioned above no other major side effects have been noted
 
Sum Up
Many sleeping aids produce different sounds White noise is the most common for most people because the energy distribution is equal Youll also find machines that produce pink and brown noise
When choosing a device to help you sleep better make sure that it produces the sound that makes you feel relaxed You also need to use the device with proper volume as it could also affect your hearing when used loudly
How you decide to add noise or listen is up to you For some they purchase a sound machine that has various noises from white pink or brown This provides a variety of sounds for you and your partner or spouse Others run a fan humidifier or purifier to add a humming sound to the space Apps are available on phones or Spotify provides sleep sound mixes If you are struggling to find a balance and you share a room shop for light earbuds so your roommate gets enough sleep

A good nights sleep is just as important as healthy food and regular exercise Did you know that you spend nearly one third of your life sleeping So you better be good at it

Good sleep is imperative for better health If you fall short of sleep your energy during the day productivity emotional balance and weight all get affected Try adding ambiance to your bedroom to create a sound full sleep

If you want to sleep better then you are in the right place Call one of Alaska Sleep Clinics locations today in Anchorage Fairbanks Soldotna and Wasilla
Improve Your Sleep Improve Your Life
author avatar
Jennifer Hines
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Our weekly updated blog aims to provide you with answers and information to all of your sleeping questions.

Brent Fisher, MBA, FACHE, FACMPE
President and Chief Executive Officer

“Alaska Sleep Clinic has a history of providing the most comprehensive sleep medicine services in the state of Alaska. Its potential has only begun. I am here to take these high-quality, comprehensive services to all Alaskans.”

Experience

Brent Fisher has held leadership positions spanning a wide variety of complex and start-up organizations: manufacturing (pharmaceutical & medical device), software development, hospitals (academic and community), medical groups, consulting, hospice, military, engineered devices, engineered plastics, and private equity.

Publications and Organizations

His writings have been published in various magazines, trade journals, and medical journals, including the Physician Executive Journal, Healthcare Executive, Modern Healthcare, Group Practice Journal, New England Journal of Medicine, and Journal of Healthcare Management (Best Article Award).

He has served on the Board of Directors of professional associations, civic organizations, and businesses.

Hobbies and Activities

Brent enjoys being with his family, serving in the community, hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting.