Pink Noise vs. White Noise: What's the Difference?
Written by Mehran Uzair
Last Updated on Jul 29, 2022
Light can be defined on a spectrum, and so can noise. The power of noise signals can be defined with the help of two colors - pink noise vs white noise. A research published in Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine states that these colors are effective in offering peaceful sleep. If you are experiencing restless nights incorporating the presence of pink noise vs white noise might be helpful. These two colors function with variations of high and low frequencies resulting in a peaceful night of sleep. But, what is the difference between pink noise vs white noise? Let us unravel the same in this article.
What’s the Difference Between White Noise and Pink Noise?
The pink noise comprises a comparatively lower pitch than the white noise. There is a more balanced, consistent frequency, and flat sound in the pink noise. Examples are rustling winds through trees, or rain. In white noise, there is a balanced distribution of every frequency like the sound of the vacuum, or humming air conditioner.
What is White Noise?
White noise is present in equal proportion across the sound spectrum and showcases all the audible frequencies at identical intensity. This is the reason, most people find white noise quite disruptive and are unable to sleep because of the high-pitch and sudden bass sounds.
Though, certain studies state some people find this sound relaxing because it cuts out all the additional background noises. Some examples of white noise are television, radio, a whirring fan, a vacuum, and humming air conditioners.
White Noise Potential Uses
- A 2021 study found that placing white noise in the room improved their sleep quality
- Research states that broadband noise reduces insomnia symptoms in certain patients
- White noise can be helpful for children suffering from ADHD
- White noise aims at new-word learning in adul
- It helps in auditory working memory performance
What is Pink Noise?
What is pink noise? The simplest way to answer this question is, that pink noise produces higher sounds at lower frequencies and lower sounds at higher frequencies. Therefore, pink noise generally produces a relaxing sound as compared to white noise. Many people prefer pink noise to white noise for its soothing effect.
A study shows a correlation between pink noise and deep sleep. The reason may be that pink noise clears out the unwanted and additional sounds appearing during a person’s sleep. What are examples of pink noise? Sounds of rustling leaves, steady rain, heartbeats, and waves crashing are some examples of pink noise.
Pink Noise Potential Uses
- Pink noise helps in enhancing deep sleep
- A 2017 study found that a small group of people who listened to
- Another 2020 study showed that participants fell asleep faster and the noise helped them
- Another 2020 study found that pink noise aids in work efficiency, steady execution, and working remembrance
Can Pink Noise Help You Sleep?
After studying the difference between pink noise vs white noise, it can be stated that pink noise does help with sleep. Pink noise is valuable in eliminating background noises, hum, additional noises, or even snoring. This way it is more effective in letting the person fall asleep faster, and also providing stable and deep sleep. Pink noise also helps in boosting memory and also long-lasting favorable results on memory and engagement.
Where to Get Pink Noise
There are certain sources of obtaining pink noise in your house and gluing it to your sleep routine.
- Download a pink noise app on your smartphone from Play Store or simply play pink noise on Youtube before dozing off
- Look for a pink noise clip and download a looping track from organizations like the American Tinnitus Association or Misophonia Institute
- Get yourself a sound machine or noise generator that specifically produces pink noise
What Are the Other Colors of Noise?
Apart from the regular pink noise vs white noise, there are certain other noises available.
Brown Noise
Brown noise sounds become deeper and stronger when it reaches the low end of the sound spectrum. Unlike pink noise vs white noise, brown noise doesn’t comprise any shrill or high-frequency sounds. It is sometimes helpful in concentration, if not sleep. Low roaring, strong waterfalls are some examples of brown noise.
Blue Noise
Blue noise comprises all audible frequencies but the higher-pitched sounds are intensified. This is the reason it is not the option when it comes to falling asleep. A hissing hose is an example of blue noise.
Black Noise
In black noise, one will mostly notice silence with sudden events of noise. The predominant power level is null throughout the frequencies with periodic rises.
Red Noise
Red noise is technically another name for brown noise.
When it comes to pink noise vs white noise, the first one undoubtedly wins the game because of its aiding properties to sleep. If you are someone who has been troubled by restlessness, disruptive sleep, and reduction in deep sleep, listening to pink noise might be a suitable solution.
