What Color Noise is Best for Sleep?

We’ve all been there - lying awake at night, staring at the ceiling, trying to force our minds to settle down and sleep. Sometimes, the harder we try to fall asleep, the more awake we feel. This is where something called "color noise" can come in handy. You’ve probably heard of white noise, but did you know there are other types, like pink and brown noise?

Each of these "color" sounds has a different frequency, and they work by masking disruptive sounds around you, like street traffic or a neighbor's late-night TV binge. This creates a more consistent background that your brain can focus on, helping to block out distractions and relax your mind. Whether you're dealing with insomnia or just want a better night's rest, finding the right color noise might be the sleep hack you’ve been looking for.

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Sleepbuds® play audio for up to ten hours, letting you enjoy our noise-masking tracks or stream anything you like, including audiobooks, podcasts, white noise, and YouTube.

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Ozlo Sleepbuds® simply don’t feel like other earbuds. Sleepbuds stay in place even when you toss and turn. The tiny earbuds, with their comfortable silicone tips and anchor-in-place wings, are designed for all-night comfort, no matter your sleeping position. Sleep on your back, side, or whatever works for you, and Ozlo Sleepbuds® will remain in place throughout the night.

Key Highlights

  • Founded by three former Bose engineers with extensive experience in audio tech
  • Sleepbuds® actively mask unwanted sounds like snoring, traffic, and environmental noises with calming, science-backed audio.
  • Ultra-soft silicone tips designed to support every sleeping position, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.
  • Up to 10 hours of continuous use with extra charges from the Smart Case.
  • Built-in biometric and environmental sensors offering personalized sleep reports
  • Personal alarm gently wakes you without disturbing your partner

    Learn More

    1. White Noise

    White noise refers to a sound that contains equal intensity across different frequencies, creating a steady, hissing sound often used to mask disruptive environmental noises. It is commonly used in signal processing and sound engineering but has practical applications in everyday life, particularly in sleep and relaxation. White noise is generated by blending all audible frequencies (between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz), which helps block out sudden sounds like traffic, voices, or other disturbances, creating a more peaceful auditory environment.

    White noise machines are designed to provide consistent, calming sound for better sleep. In work environments, white noise can help mask distractions and improve focus, although its effect varies depending on the person and the task at hand.

    Key Highlights:

    • Equal intensity across frequencies
    • Often used for sound masking and sleep improvement
    • Helps mask tinnitus and environmental distractions
    • Used in audio and signal processing

    Who it’s best for:

    • Individuals with tinnitus seeking relief from constant ringing
    • People struggling with sleep due to environmental noise
    • Office workers needing to reduce background distractions
    • Audio engineers and signal processing professionals

    2. Pink Noise

    Pink noise is a type of sound signal that has equal energy across each octave, meaning its power decreases as frequency increases. Unlike white noise, which contains equal power across all frequencies, pink noise has more low-frequency components, which gives it a softer sound, often compared to the noise of rainfall or a waterfall. This makes it useful in a variety of applications, from sound masking to audio testing.

    Pink noise is commonly used in fields such as audio engineering, electronic testing, and environmental noise studies. It helps to simulate natural environments and is often used in audio system calibration, where it tests speaker performance across frequencies. In electronic devices, it appears as a natural phenomenon known as flicker noise and is used in scientific studies related to complex systems, including climate dynamics and biological processes.

    Key Highlights:

    • Equal energy per octave
    • Power decreases with higher frequencies
    • Used in audio testing and calibration
    • Found in natural and biological systems
    • Applied in electronic testing as flicker noise

    Who it’s best for:

    • Audio engineers calibrating sound systems
    • Researchers studying biological and environmental systems
    • Electronic engineers testing device reliability
    • People interested in sound masking for sleep and relaxation

    3. Brownian Noise

    Brownian noise, also known as Brown noise or red noise, is a type of signal that results from the random motion known as Brownian motion. It is characterized by a spectral density that is inversely proportional to the square of the frequency, meaning it has more energy at lower frequencies. The sound produced by Brownian noise resembles a deep roar, like a waterfall or heavy rain, and is softer and more subdued compared to other noise types like white or pink noise.

    Brownian noise is commonly used in various fields, including physics, chemistry, and electronics, where it is applied in processes involving random motion or to simulate natural systems. In audio engineering, Brownian noise is useful for testing sound systems due to its unique frequency characteristics. It is also found in biological systems and is used in studies of human neuromotor control, providing insights into natural drift and behavioral patterns.

    Key Highlights:

    • Higher intensity at lower frequencies
    • Spectral density follows a 1/f² pattern
    • Commonly used to simulate natural systems and random processes
    • Resembles deep, roaring sounds like heavy rain or waterfalls
    • Found in fields such as physics, chemistry, and neuromotor studies

    Who it’s best for:

    • Audio engineers for system testing and calibration
    • Researchers studying random motion and natural processes
    • Neuroscientists investigating human motor control
    • Professionals working in physics and chemistry exploring Brownian motion

    4. Blue Noise

    Blue noise is a type of sound characterized by its focus on higher frequencies, creating a sharper and brighter auditory experience compared to other types of noise. Technically, blue noise increases in intensity by 3 decibels per octave, which means the sound gets louder as the frequency rises. This results in a high-pitched, consistent sound that resembles noises like the hiss of a spray can or the buzz of a mosquito.

    Unlike other noise types such as white or pink noise, blue noise emphasizes higher frequencies, making it suitable for specific environments where higher-pitched sounds are preferred or needed. It is often used to block out high-frequency disturbances, making it useful in environments with background noises like sirens or alarms. Its sharper tones can also aid in creating a calming environment for those who find lower-frequency noises distracting.

    Key Highlights:

    • Focuses on higher frequencies
    • Sound intensity increases by 3 decibels per octave
    • Creates a sharp, bright sound similar to a hiss or buzz
    • Suitable for masking high-frequency disturbances
    • Useful in environments with constant background noise

    Who it’s best for:

    • Individuals living in urban areas with frequent high-frequency noises
    • People who prefer sharper, brighter sounds for relaxation or focus
    • Those looking to block out sudden, high-pitched noise disturbances
    • Users exploring alternative sound options for improving sleep quality

    5. Violet Noise

    Violet noise is characterized by its high-frequency focus, making it distinct from other types of noise like brown or pink. It produces a sharp, crisp sound, often compared to the hiss of running water or the sizzle of steam. This type of noise is most effective at masking high-pitched sounds in the environment. Violet noise increases in intensity with frequency, amplifying higher tones more than lower ones.

    This particular type of noise can be useful for those who need to stay alert or maintain focus over extended periods. Whether during late-night drives or while working on tasks that require concentration, violet noise can provide a steady auditory backdrop. It’s also helpful for those who find lower-frequency sounds less effective for focus or relaxation, offering an alternative for those seeking sharper auditory input.

    Key Highlights:

    • High-frequency focus
    • Crisp, sharp sound, often compared to a hiss or sizzle
    • Useful for masking high-pitched environmental sounds
    • Commonly used to alleviate symptoms of tinnitus and fatigue
    • Suitable for maintaining alertness or focus

    Who it’s best for:

    • Individuals dealing with tinnitus
    • Those needing focus during work or study
    • People who prefer high-frequency sounds for relaxation or concentration
    • Anyone seeking to stay alert during extended periods of activity, such as driving or working late

    6. Grey Noise

    Grey noise is a type of random noise that is adjusted to account for the human ear's sensitivity to different sound frequencies. Unlike white noise, which has equal energy across all frequencies, grey noise focuses on delivering equal loudness across the frequency spectrum. This is achieved through an equal-loudness contour, meaning it balances the volume in a way that compensates for the ear’s natural response to various frequencies. The result is that grey noise feels more uniform to the listener than other noise types.

    Grey noise is often used in sound environments where balanced noise is needed for masking other sounds or providing an ambient background. Since individual sensitivity to sound varies, grey noise does not have a universal formula and may be tailored based on specific playback conditions. It can be useful in contexts such as audio testing, sound masking, or relaxation, providing a more even auditory experience.

    Key Highlights:

    • Follows an equal-loudness contour for balanced sound perception
    • Compensates for the ear's sensitivity to certain frequencies
    • Tailored for specific playback volumes and individual hearing responses
    • Provides a uniform auditory experience across the frequency spectrum
    • Often used for sound masking or background environments

    Who it’s best for:

    • Individuals seeking a balanced noise environment
    • People using noise for sound masking or to reduce distractions
    • Those involved in audio testing or fine-tuning sound systems
    • Listeners who prefer more evenly distributed sound across frequencies

    7. Green Noise 

    Green noise is a sound variant that amplifies mid-range frequencies, offering a more natural auditory experience compared to white noise. Unlike white noise, which delivers equal volume across all audible frequencies, green noise highlights the mid-frequencies, creating a sound similar to ocean waves or a flowing stream. Due to this characteristic it stands out from other noise colors, often perceived as softer and more calming to listeners.

    Although research on green noise's effects on sleep is limited, some studies have shown that background noise, including green noise, can help mask environmental sounds that disrupt sleep. Green noise has gained popularity for its potential to promote relaxation, especially for individuals who need to sleep in noisy environments or who experience racing thoughts before bed.

    Key Highlights:

    • Amplifies mid-range sound frequencies
    • Mimics natural sounds such as ocean waves or streams
    • Softer and more calming compared to white noise
    • Helps mask environmental noises that may disrupt sleep

    Who it’s best for:

    • Individuals who struggle to sleep in noisy environments
    • People with racing thoughts or anxiety at bedtime
    • Shift workers needing to block out daytime noise
    • Listeners seeking a more natural and calming sound experience

    8. Black Noise

    Black noise is often described as the sound of silence or an absence of noise. It refers to a state where there is little to no sound, punctuated by occasional random noise. Unlike other colors of noise, black noise is focused on providing a nearly silent environment, which can be helpful for individuals seeking peace and quiet, particularly during sleep. While complete silence may be difficult to achieve, the idea behind black noise is to minimize sound disturbances, promoting a calm and restful atmosphere.

    This form of noise can be especially beneficial for those who find silence relaxing or necessary for rest. In a world filled with constant background noise, black noise offers a contrasting experience of near silence, making it an option for people sensitive to sound or those looking to create a quiet environment for better sleep.

    Key Highlights:

    • Refers to minimal or complete silence with occasional random noise
    • Promotes a calm and quiet environment, ideal for rest
    • Can help minimize sound disturbances during sleep
    • Provides an alternative to other noise types that generate constant sound

    Who it’s best for:

    • Individuals who prefer silence while sleeping or resting
    • People sensitive to continuous or loud noise
    • Those looking to create a peaceful environment for relaxation
    • Sleepers seeking minimal sound interference for a restful night

    9. Orange Noise

    Orange noise is a unique sound that stands out due to its specific frequency characteristics. It is described as a quasi-stationary noise with a finite power spectrum, featuring small bands of zero energy spread across a continuous spectrum. These gaps in energy often correspond to musical scales, where the in-tune notes are removed, leaving only the out-of-tune frequencies. This results in a sound that is often described as clashing or displeasing, so it is distinct from other noise colors like white or pink noise.

    In terms of the frequency spectrum, orange noise lies between red and pink noise, balancing the two. Its irregular pattern can make it an unusual choice for sound-related applications, yet it remains of interest due to its relationship with musical scales and the unique effect of its missing in-tune frequencies.

    Key Highlights:

    • Quasi-stationary noise with small bands of zero energy
    • Related to musical scales, with in-tune notes removed
    • Creates a clashing, out-of-tune sound
    • Falls between red and pink noise on the frequency spectrum

    Who it’s best for:

    • Individuals interested in experimental or non-traditional sound design
    • Those exploring the relationship between sound and music theory
    • Audio engineers or musicians studying frequency effects
    • People intrigued by unconventional noise applications in music or science

    Conclusion

    In the end, the best color noise for sleep really comes down to personal preference and what your environment is like. It’s all about finding the sound that feels the most calming to you and matches your sleeping situation. If you’re unsure which noise works best for you, don’t hesitate to experiment. Try playing different noises for a few nights and see which helps you sleep the longest and most comfortably. Everyone’s sleep needs are different, so what works for one person might not work for another, but there’s likely a color noise out there that can help you achieve the rest you’ve been looking for.

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