Table of Contents
What is Color Noise? Moving Past the Basic Static Sound
The noise spectrum or the color noise pertains to the power spectrum of a noise signal. All the noises you hear every day are made up of waveforms, a random mix of frequencies and amplitudes.
These color noises are defined in various ways, but they are all based on an analogy between the power spectrum of the noisy signal and the spectrum of visible light. The colors of noise are: white, pink, brown, blue, violet, and green.
White Noise: The Baseline for Sleep and Masking Distractions
White noise is the most common noise known to most people. It contains a mixture of all the audible frequencies you can hear playing all at the same time, from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. It comes off as a “hissing” sound and works by drowning out all the other disruptive sounds.
It can be compared to the sound of a waterfall, with water falling at different speeds and hitting different surfaces. Other examples of white noise are:
- Whirring fan
- Radio or television static
- Vacuum
- Humming air conditioner
If you want to drown out disruptive sounds, white noise will do the trick. Additionally, this noise can also be beneficial for sleep. White noise works well at blocking distracting noises. A newborn white noise machine can drown out sounds that may keep you and your baby awake, such as barking dogs, loud neighbours, and even honking vehicles.
Noises keep you awake because they command your attention and force your brain to react to them. White noise drowns out other noises, yet at the same time is bland enough to evoke a strong reaction. Not to mention, it also provides a relaxing ambient noise that can help you fall asleep quickly. Other benefits of white noise include:
- Mask tinnitus
- Increase focus
- Soothes migraine
- Lowers anxiety
- Trains your brain to relax
Pink Noise: The Calming, Lower-Frequency Sound (and Its Deep Sleep Benefits)
Pink noise, on the other hand, is more soothing and balanced than white noise because of its mix of high and low frequencies. Yes, it also consists of all the frequencies audible to the human ear, but the energy is not evenly distributed across them. Its energy tends to be more intense at lower frequencies, which makes it deeper compared to white noise.
Examples of pink noise are:
- Winds rustling through leaves
- Steady rainfall
- Low rumbling thunder
- Gentle ocean waves
- Low roaring waterfall
- Electric fan on a low setting
Moreover, listening to pink noise when sleeping can also improve slow-wave sleep quality. As you sleep, your brain waves decrease in frequency until you transition into delta. From there, delta waves dominate the majority of your sleep time, but REM cycles are an expression of brain waves dipping into theta during rest.
Studies have shown that while pink noise wasn’t a major sleeping aid, it can prolong deep sleep and increase the size of your brain waves when sleeping. In addition, pink noise can also help your baby go to sleep. According to experts, pink noise is safe for babies, just make sure you keep it at a balanced volume.
Brown Noise: Deeper Rumbles and Thumps for Relaxation and Focus
Technically, brown noise is not a noise “color” at all. Brown noise is short for Brownian noise, because its signals resemble the pattern of random movement of particles in a liquid known as Brownian motion.
Brown noise is deeper and stronger at the low end of the sound spectrum. Compared to whit and pink noise, it doesn’t contain any high-frequency sounds. The decrease in frequency of this noise gives it a lower and more bass sound compared to white noise, which resonates far higher on a treble register, which gives it a much higher sound.
Examples of brown noise are:
- Low roaring
- Strong waterfalls
- Thunder
This noise can also help you focus and concentrate more. Most people prefer listening to brown noise when working or studying to improve productivity and mask any distractions. It can also help ease anxiety, particularly in high-stress situations. Brown noise offers a calming sound for deep relaxation. Its low, rumbling tones mimic natural sounds such as waterfalls or waves on the beach.
Blue and Violet Noise: The High-Frequency Hiss (and Why They’re Less Common)
Blue noise is the opposite of brown noise. Its energy is concentrated at the high end of the spectrum, which means it’s all treble and no bass. One example of this noise is the Cherenkov radiation, wherein the electromagnetic radiation of a charged particle is released as it passes through a dielectric medium. Another example of blue noise is a hissing water spray. Other examples of blue noise:
- The hiss of a leaking gas pipe
- Cymbals or high-frequency percussion sounds
- The sizzle of frying food
Like blue noise, violet noise is also concentrated on the high end of the sound spectrum. It sounds like a high-pitched screeching noise with no bass tones at all, and for obvious reasons, isn’t considered a very relaxing sounds. Violet noise can be heard from the following:
- The sharp hiss of steam escaping from a valve
- The snap or crackle of a high-voltage electrical arc
- The crisp hiss of aerosol spray
Green Noise: The Balanced and Natural Ambient Sounds of Nature
Green noise is considered the background noise of the world, and it highly resembles pink noise. It is also considered the mid-range frequency of white noise, or is thought of as bounded brown noise.
Green noise mimics the soothing sounds of nature, like a babbling brook or a forest. Its lower frequencies are calming and grounding, perfect for relaxation and stress reduction. You can hear green noise from:
- A gentle breeze blowing through trees
- The steady sound of ocean waves hitting the shore
- The rhythmic flow of a river or stream
- Soft rainfall in the background
- The ambient sounds of a forest
How to Choose Your Color: Matching Noise Types to Specific Goals (Sleep, Focus, Calming)
Choosing the perfect color for you solely depends on your needs and preferences. Each of the color noises has its own energy and effect on the mind and body.
If you want better sleep, relaxation, or improved focus, white and pink noise are ideal for masking distractions and improving sleep quality. Brown noise and green noise create a natural calm that helps you unwind or concentrate. Whereas blue and violet noise produce higher frequencies, perfect for tinnitus relief or sharper auditory clarity.
Practical Application: Integrating Color Noise into Your Daily Routine
Color noise brings depth and balance to what you hear. Each type has its own characteristics and purpose, which help you shape your environment through sound. Whether you’re looking to sleep more soundly or concentrate better, there’s a color noise that is suitable for your needs. Here’s how you can integrate color noise into your daily routine:
- Use a newborn white noise machine
- Keep the volume at a comfortable level
- Pair with a relaxing routine
- Experiment with duration
- Use headphones or speakers wisely
Sound can definitely change your mood, focus, and even the sleep quality you get. With these color noises, you can create an environment that supports your every need. The key is to experiment and discover which sound color resonates with you most. Once you do, you’ll have a simple yet powerful tool to make every day a little more peaceful and balanced.
For a clear, reliable connection to your nursery, check out the fantastic features of the Momcozy baby monitor.