In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics warns parents against claims made by companies marketing infant white noise machines.
While using white noise is recommended by some experts, parents may be surprised to learn that few studies have demonstrated a benefit of white noise for infants and children. Introducing white noise into a child’s bedroom is one strategy that caregivers may use to help babies and children sleep more soundly. Up to 30% of children have significant trouble falling and staying asleep. Short-term use of white noise is generally considered safe, though some white noise machines are able to produce sound loud enough to cause hearing damage over time. White noise is suggested as a method to improve sleep in a variety of populations, including infants, shift workers, and hospitalized patients. While some recent studies have shown little to no benefit to using white noise, others suggest that white noise may help adults fall asleep faster and improve sleep quality for patients in intensive care units.Īlthough additional research is needed to understand the effect of white noise on sleep, the use of white noise is recommended by some experts. Early studies in adults suggested that white noise may delay REM sleep and increase time spent in periods of light sleep. Does White Noise Help With Sleep?Īdding white noise is a popular strategy for improving sleep, but research studies have produced mixed results.Įarly research from the 1970s to the 1990s showed that listening to white noise may help calm restless babies and help infants fall asleep faster. White noise masks other sounds by raising a person’s hearing threshold, so noises below this level are less likely to be perceived.
Hearing threshold describes how loud a sound must be before it is picked up by the listener. While some people use the term to describe any background noise, white noise is a specific sound that is sometimes compared to radio static.Įxperts suggest that white noise makes other sounds in the environment less noticeable because of its effects on a person’s hearing threshold. White noise is a blend of all audible frequencies played at the same time with the same intensity. When the source of noise cannot be turned off or removed from the bedroom, adding white noise may help reduce the impact of bothersome sounds. Minimizing sounds in the bedroom is an important part of creating an environment that is conducive to sleep. People living in busy homes, large cities, or high traffic areas may also find that noise prevents them from getting a good night’s sleep. Sleep disruptions can come from a variety of sources, including stress, illness, and daytime activities. Nearly half of people in the United States report sleep troubles.
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