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Writer's pictureKatrina Oliver

White Noise & ADHD: Stay On Task and Work Faster

Updated: Jul 28, 2021

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a disorder of the mind that can affect attention and concentration. ADHD can make it hard to stay on task, focus on your work, sit still, or be in control of your thoughts and motivation. Attention to detail, executive function, and listening skills are all common areas of difficulty for those with the disorder. An estimated 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults have ADHD, although researchers estimate this number may be much higher due to under-diagnosis. While the condition is more common in children, it can also affect adults quite seriously and create serious disruption to both schoolwork and one's professional career.

Drawing of ADHD brain.
Photo by Tara Winstead from Pexels

In fact, the inattention and difficulty maintaining concentration can have a serious impact on the lives of those with ADHD. Those with ADHD can have their employment affected greatly by this disorder. In fact, a national survey revealed that only half of all adults with ADHD are able to hold down a full-time job, compared to 72% of adults without the disorder. They also tend to earn less than their peers and report having more difficulty at work. While the effects of ADHD can be quite serious and there is no cure, there are many ways that those with ADHD can try to help cope with their disorder and use tools to help maintain their concentration while working.


One of these is to use white noise to help maintain concentration and focus when working or studying. Those with ADHD often feel frustrated by a seeming catch-22: their mind craves stimulation at all times, so working in complete silence can actually be disorienting. While some might crave perfect stillness to allow them complete focus, the lack of noise can be a serious issue for those with ADHD. However, another symptom of ADHD is being easily distracted. Having people talking or a TV playing a movie in the background can easily divert one's attention easily, and soon there's no work getting done at all. Even something as simple as music can be enough to divert the attention of someone with significant ADHD.

Boy doing homework

The middle-of-the-road solution that offers noise without distraction is white noise, which manages to produce enough stimulation that an ADHD sufferer can relax and focus without offering opportunity for distractions and losing focus. In fact, neurological researchers found that elementary school students with ADHD performed significantly better on tasks of memory and verbal skill when there was white noise playing in the room. A similar study on older teens with ADHD found that the students were able to both read and write faster when listening to white noise as compared to silence, and were more focused during their task.


To find the white noise that will work best to help you maintain your concentration, relax, and be more productive, check out our Fade Away Sleep Sounds website here. We offer a wide variety of soothing white noise sounds, including those with natural sound, spa environments, looping white noise, and musical themes.

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