For many people, the term ‘white noise’ might ring a bell. It refers to the random frequencies at a constant level that can help individuals concentrate or sleep. However, a lesser-known variant, ‘brown noise,’ is currently causing a stir, especially among social media users dealing with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The use of brown noise as a calming tool has gained remarkable traction on the social media platform TikTok, where the hashtag #brwnnoise amassed over 86 million views last year. User testimonials lauding its therapeutic benefits – from enhancing focus to promoting relaxation and better sleep – are causing a significant surge in interest around this topic.
One notable testimonial comes from a TikTok user, @NatalyaBubb, who, after trying brown noise, wonders out loud, “Where did all the thoughts go?” Other users have mirrored this sentiment, claiming that brown noise’s soothing effects are akin to a “soft weighted blanket” for the brain.
So, what is brown noise, and does it genuinely offer health benefits?
According to Dr. Pratibha Dogra, a respiratory and sleep medicine specialist at W-Pratiksha Hospital, Gurgaon, India, brown noise is similar to the low, soothing roar of nature, like heavy rainfall or rustling winds. “People feel calm and focused with some pleasing ambient sounds. Brown noise triggers relaxation because of its similarities to the brain’s resting state. Its lower frequency creates a deeper sound that helps people relax,” she explains.
The term “brown” refers not to the color but to Scottish botanist Robert Brown, who discovered the random movements of suspended particles due to collisions with fast-moving molecules in a liquid in 1827, known as Brownian motion. Brown noise mimics this motion, with signals changing randomly and producing static.
The potential therapeutic benefits of different ‘colored’ noises have been explored in various studies. For example, a 2010 study published in the journal ‘Noise Health’ found pink noise beneficial for improving the sleep quality of elderly individuals. The Sleep Foundation also reported that violet noise, which has a higher pitch, could be effective in treating tinnitus.
Brown noise has been linked to improved anxiety management, better sleep quality, and enhanced concentration. According to neurophysiotherapist Dr. Himani Dalmia, brown noise makes individuals less reactive to ambient sounds, aiding both sleep initiation and focus. Its low rumbling quality is deemed more soothing than the higher frequency white and pink noises.
A 1990 study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood revealed that 80% of the 40 newborns studied fell asleep within five minutes of listening to white noise; brown noise is a variation of this.
However, scientific research on colored noises, including brown noise, remains in the early stages. While anecdotal evidence and preliminary research suggest benefits, large-scale scientific studies are needed before unequivocal recommendations can be made. Nonetheless, brown noise is making waves as a potential relaxation and focus tool, offering a soothing backdrop in our increasingly noisy world.
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