Research into the effects of 'pink noise' sounds, often used by those trying to fall asleep, has uncovered a surprising truth: it may actually be detrimental to REM sleep.
For those who are familiar with white noise, pink noise is essentially a gentler alternative - think of the soothing sound of rainfall or gentle wind. However, in recent studies, researchers have discovered that this type of 'relaxing' noise can interfere with restorative rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and hinder recovery.
In a study conducted by experts from Penn Medicine, participants spent an entire week in a sleep lab under various conditions: aircraft noise alone, pink noise on its own, pink noise combined with aircraft noise, or wearing earplugs to block out the air traffic sounds. The results were striking - exposure to aircraft noise reduced the deepest stage of REM sleep by 23 minutes, while pink noise, equivalent to moderate rainfall, resulted in a loss of 19 minutes of REM sleep.
Moreover, when pink noise was paired with aircraft noise, participants reported feeling lighter, waking up more frequently throughout the night, and experiencing poorer overall quality of sleep. However, when wearing earplugs against the pink noise and aircraft sounds, their sleep quality improved significantly.
The findings suggest that using pink noise or other types of broadband noise to help with sleep may not be as beneficial as previously thought. In fact, experts warn that it could even be detrimental, especially for vulnerable populations such as newborns and toddlers who require more REM sleep.
The researchers emphasize the need for further study into the effects of pink noise, white noise, and other types of broadband noise on long-term use, its impact on vulnerable populations, and safe levels of exposure to prevent disruption of restorative sleep.
For those who are familiar with white noise, pink noise is essentially a gentler alternative - think of the soothing sound of rainfall or gentle wind. However, in recent studies, researchers have discovered that this type of 'relaxing' noise can interfere with restorative rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and hinder recovery.
In a study conducted by experts from Penn Medicine, participants spent an entire week in a sleep lab under various conditions: aircraft noise alone, pink noise on its own, pink noise combined with aircraft noise, or wearing earplugs to block out the air traffic sounds. The results were striking - exposure to aircraft noise reduced the deepest stage of REM sleep by 23 minutes, while pink noise, equivalent to moderate rainfall, resulted in a loss of 19 minutes of REM sleep.
Moreover, when pink noise was paired with aircraft noise, participants reported feeling lighter, waking up more frequently throughout the night, and experiencing poorer overall quality of sleep. However, when wearing earplugs against the pink noise and aircraft sounds, their sleep quality improved significantly.
The findings suggest that using pink noise or other types of broadband noise to help with sleep may not be as beneficial as previously thought. In fact, experts warn that it could even be detrimental, especially for vulnerable populations such as newborns and toddlers who require more REM sleep.
The researchers emphasize the need for further study into the effects of pink noise, white noise, and other types of broadband noise on long-term use, its impact on vulnerable populations, and safe levels of exposure to prevent disruption of restorative sleep.
- been using those white noise apps to fall asleep but maybe I've been doing it wrong? always thought it was just about creating a comfy atmosphere, didn't realize it could actually mess with my real sleep 
might try earplugs next time or something.
I'm kinda surprised about this study result... I've been using pink noise for ages to chill out before bed, and now I'm not sure if it's actually helping me sleep better? 
. And yeah, I can imagine newborns & toddlers needing way more REM sleep than adults do... my little cousin always woke up at like 3am screaming and we thought she was just fussy 
. But now I wonder if it's actually because our house is right next to a busy highway 
... this study has me thinking I need to get some earplugs ASAP 
!
like, isn't just having a quiet room enough? pink noise is literally just a fancy way of saying "i'm too anxious to relax" 
. Maybe earplugs are the way to go? Or maybe we should be looking for new ways to help people get better sleep... like a sleep-friendly environment 
. Anyway, this study makes me want to rethink my bedtime routine 
I'm not saying it's all doom and gloom, but maybe we should just stick to white noise and hope for the best. Earplugs can't hurt either, right?