Does White Noise Machine Really Work
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With our fast-paced and dynamic lives, our sleep patterns are also becoming more inconsistent. A lack of deep and refreshing sleep can slowly make us unhealthy, unproductive, and overall low on energy.
While we struggle to understand how to take care of ourselves better, the internet has a great new suggestion for us: White Noise Machines. These noise-masking devices are all the rave on self-care and lifestyle blogs today.
Given the number of sleep-deprived people everywhere, there is no shortage of individuals wondering if they also need to try out this magical new product. Read on to get more details on how and if this new internet hype actually works.
How Do White Noise Machines Work?
Before the entire viability and efficacy debate can be started, it’s important to get familiar with the mechanism and some marketed benefits of these devices.
Technically, white noise machines are not a mystery. They are simplistic, all-natural sound devices purposefully designed to emit calming frequencies of equal intensity. This means that the sounds are never spiky; they don’t have many ups and downs in how hard they knock on the brain. This uniformity and consistency help create a serene environment that signals our brain that it’s the perfect time to fall asleep.
Our brains take in cues from our surroundings throughout the day. When we are in a messy room, an uncomfortable posture or an otherwise distracting situation, our brains believe it to be “awake” time. They, therefore, remain alert and can’t unplug from the surrounding.
At night, the same distractions can signal to the brain that it’s not time to sleep yet. White noise machines help eliminate this problem by drowning out all the distracting noises that may hit you as you try to fall asleep.
What Does Science Say about White Noise Machines?
Being a new technology, there is not much research done on the efficacy of these devices. However, other relevant studies investigating the role of sound on sleep quality can be used.
A 2020 Study investigating the link between White Noise and Sleep Induction found that it significantly improved the quality of sleep in people. The study was conducted in New York, and participants faced serious sleep disturbances due to excessive environmental Noise.
White Noise resulted in a deeper and undisrupted sleep throughout the night for most participants. The researchers believed that it could be a pivotal tool in helping people improve both their quality of sleep and waking life.
Another study from 2014 investigated the link between environmental noises and sleep quality. It also found that people going through noise pollution can later show signs of serious health consequences.
The lower quality of sleep can reflect on their biological systems and make people more agitated, slow, and unproductive on the following day. Moreover, noise disturbance was found to affect not only the quality of sleep but also the duration. Participants were not able to receive the recommended 8 hours of sleep.
Even before the devices became popular, white Noise was a common topic of interest for many researchers. An early study was conducted in 1990 and found that white Noise has a strong positive effect in helping babies go to sleep and stay asleep.
What Customers Say about White noise machines?
Studies may have continually shown mixed results, either due to differences in the situation of participants or the type of white noise used. But a more informed decision can still be made based on the customer’s anecdotal but irrefutable experience.
Many customers have become loyal to white noise machines because of the ease they create in their lives. There are multiple benefits users frequently rave about. Some of these are detailed below.
Reduced Anxiety
People with a racing mind and never-ending worries love the way White Noise Machines are able to redirect their minds to a calmer mood. They say the serene sounds help them mentally check out of their jobs and responsibilities and indulge in sleep more quickly and deeply.
Noise Masking
Consistent with most studies, customer reviews also mention the ability of white noise machines to drown out other distracting sounds.
The more powerful but consistent frequencies cancel out all the other noises, including cars passing by, dogs barking, or a roommate watching television in the other room.
Deeper Sleep
Besides the obvious benefit of helping people fall asleep, the devices are also popular for their ability to induce a deeper, sounder, and recharging sleep. Multiple studies have also found that the presence of a continuous sound can be better than complete silence when it comes to quality of sleep. Users of White noise machines don’t disagree.
Quicker Sleep
Users love the ability to control their sleep schedule and keep on track throughout their day. Many people have a strict schedule where they need to maximize hours of sleep whenever they are free.
Undoubtedly, there is no shortage of brains that won’t go to sleep on command. White noise machines have continually proved their usefulness in inducing sleep more quickly, saving people time.
Conclusion
White Noise machines are not a gimmick and actually get the job done. Some problems can arise when the noise pollution you are dealing with is too tough to drown out. However, a noisy household, busy roads, and construction work going on can be made less distracting with white noise machines. There is also enough scientific evidence to believe in their efficacy and make a purchase with confidence. It’s still a good idea to test out your experience with a standard and low-cost device first, before splurging on the most hi-fi white noise machine.