Perfecting your sleeping environment will help you get quality rest. While your bed, pillows, room temperature, and lighting are all popularly discussed, one thing that shouldn’t be forgotten is sound.

For many people, sleeping in complete silence is most comfortable. For others, additional noise may be necessary. If you’re someone who wants to consider including soothing sounds in your sleep environment, here’s what you should know.

How Sounds Improve Sleep

Certain sounds will distract your brain and ultimately interfere with your sleep. Someone banging on your door or cars honking outside can bring too much activity to your brain.

On the contrary, some sounds promoterelaxation and help you sleep better. These sounds are usually composed of a nice pitch. When your brain hears these sounds, it labels them as nonthreatening, unlike the sound of banging.

Relaxing sounds like this also help cover up sounds that may disrupt your sleep.

Sounds for Sleeping

Two types of sounds are known for aiding sleep. Let's take a look at the specifics.

Pink Noise

Many people recommend white noise for sleeping, but pink noise is just as great. The color of the noise is classified by the energy it carries in the frequency. One study shows that pink noise promotes steady brain waves, which simultaneously leads to better rest.

Sounds of nature are classified as pink noise. These sounds are usually even or flat to the ear, which is relaxing.

People who use pink noise while sleeping are more likely to experience deep sleep.

White Noise

White noise is a common soothing sound that can help you sleep. Unlike pink noise, the energy of white noise is equally distributed.

White noise is commonly composed of a consistent, humming sound:

• Television
• A fan
• Air conditioning

Just like pink noise, white noise can also be used to block out distracting sounds and help you sleep better.

BetterSleep Sounds

The BetterSleep app has hundreds of sounds that can help you sleep. These sounds can be played before and while you sleep:

Nature Sounds

• Thunderstorm
• Campfire
• Winds
• Rusting leaves

Animals

• Birds
• Bumblebees
• Morning birdsong
• Whale’s journey

Water

• Driving in the rain
• Boiling potion
• Rain on the window
• Seaside
• Lapping water

There are hundreds of sounds to choose from on the BetterSleep app. Visit the app today to create a playlist of your favorite sounds and enjoy a peaceful sleep.