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Writer's pictureKevin Hale

Is TikTok Right? Does Brown Noise Work?

Many people have heard of white noise associated with better sleep habits. However, types of noise categories exist. Popular content creators on TikTok are all talking about Brown noise for sleeping, meditation, and relaxation instead. Is this just another social media trend or is there actual evidence that this other type of sound can provide benefits? Before you decide to jump on the Brown noise bandwagon, understand what it is and how it works.

A person watching TikTok on their phone

What is Brown Noise?

Brown noise is a type of sound that is often used to help people sleep. The tones in Brown noise are low and deep, which can make it easier for people to relax and fall asleep. Unlike white noise, which includes sound waves from the entire spectrum of human hearing, Brown noise focuses on the lower notes. Halfway between white and Brown lies pink noise, which includes the full spectrum but is louder the lower the tones get. Brown noise does not include high frequencies at all.


Brown noise can be found in nature, or it can be created artificially. If you tend to enjoy the sound of thunder, strong wind, or slow rolling surf at the ocean shore, you may have been listening to Brown noise even if you did not know what it was called.


Does Brown Noise for Sleeping Help?

The anecdotal feedback about brown noise online makes it sound like the answer to all your sleep and concentration troubles. Video creators claim that it cures insomnia, helps with ADHD, and does a multitude of other impressive things. There is no harm to putting on a noise recording at a reasonable decibel level in your room at bedtime.


To get the real story about whether Brown noise for sleeping works or not, it helps to turn to the experts instead. Years of research show that certain types of music can aid relaxation. The evidence that white noise helps people get to sleep and stay asleep is well accepted by the medical community. Brown noise works the same way in that it masks external sounds that may shock your brain into wakefulness. It also provides distraction from intrusive thoughts or other things that can get in the way of your healthy sleep habits.


Some sleep issues deserve attention from a doctor or medical specialist. Insomnia can be a sign of something else seriously wrong. However, if you have chronic troubles or simply want to improve things overall, including Brown noise in your nightly habits can make a difference.


If you are interested in getting a better night’s sleep or finding new and natural ways to relax, consider Brown noise for sleeping, meditation, and more. Many people automatically turn to white noise machines and recordings for this type of help. However, others do not like the higher frequency tones included. Do not dismiss Brown noise as just another TikTok trend. There is sufficient scientific backing to demonstrate its efficacy for many people. Give it a try and see if you can reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, staying asleep longer, and invigorated in the morning.

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