Pink Noise vs. White Noise: What’s the Difference?

Today, you can distinguish between different frequencies of sounds as per the energy of their sound signal. For example, both pink and white noise can surround all audible frequencies, however, they differ in how their energies are distributed across frequencies. According to research, pink and white noise can significantly benefit a good night’s sleep and can also help enhance your productivity levels. So, in this article, we are here to tell you all about pink noise vs white noise. Just read ahead to know more. 

What’s The Difference Between White Noise And Pink Noise?

Also known as colours of noise, noise spectrum or sonic hues this is a practice of naming different frequencies as colours. Sound that is deep and intense like the rain, heartbeats is the pink noise. And any sound that creates a humming sound like a fan, air conditioner is termed as a white noise. So, let’s dig deep and understand the difference between pink noise and white noise. 

What is Pink Noise?

Pink noise encompasses all the frequencies that a human ear can hear. Here, the energy of the sound is not distributed evenly. This frequency is more intense and gives you a deep sound. What are examples of pink noise? Some of them include; 

• The sound of steady rain 
• The sound of rustling leaves 
• The sound of wind blowing 
• The sound of heartbeats 

What is White Noise?

Just like pink noise, white noise is made of all audible frequencies. But unlike pink noise, energy is evenly distributed across the frequencies and creates a humming sound. Some of the examples of white noise include; 

• Static from radio or television
• The hissing of a radiator 
• The humming of an air conditioner 
• The sound of the whirling fan 

Pink noise potential uses

Now that you know what is pink noise. Let’s take a look at all the benefits pink noise has to offer. 

Improve sleep and achieve deep sleep faster

In a 2020 study, it was found that pink noise can be one of the best noises for sleep. Here, participants who made use of pink noise were able to fall asleep and achieve deeper sleep faster when compared to those who slept in a normal environment. 

Improvements in memory and recall during a cognitive task

According to a 2017 study, a small group of participants listened to pink noise for short intervals on a loop while they were asleep. This showed improvements in their memory and recall while participating in a cognitive task. 

White noise potential uses

Some of the benefits of white noise include;

Improving the quality of sleep

A small study was conducted in 2021 where a white noise device was placed in the room of the participants and it was seen white noise was able to improve the quality of sleep. 

Helps sleeping faster

White noise can also be instrumental in combating the symptoms of insomnia. In a 2017 study, participants exposed to broadband noise slept almost 38% faster than those who slept in a normal environment. So, if you are struggling with falling asleep, you can try it out. 

Reduce insomnia symptoms

In the same 2017 study, it was seen that sound could also reduce the symptoms of insomnia in some people. 

Can Pink Noise Help You Sleep?

Yes, pink noise can help you fall asleep as it dims any background noise that can be loud and disturbing, such as your partner snoring or a door being slammed, and ensures you are able to fall asleep easily. It was observed in a study that pink noise was able to help people fall asleep faster and induce deep sleep. It can also give you quality sleep so you wake up fresh. 

Where to Get Pink Noise

You can easily colour your sleep pink in the following ways; 

• Today, several noise apps are easily available in your phone’s app store. 
• You can look for pink noise on YouTube. 
• You can find your favourite pink sound, download it, and turn it into a looping track.
• You can bring home a pink noise generator. 

What Are the Other Colours of Noise?

Apart from white and pink, there are other popular colours of noise. They are;

Brown noise

Also known as red noise, brown noise is deeper than pink or white noise because it has high energy at a lower frequency. Some of the examples of brown noise include; 

• The sound of the strong waterfall
• Thunder 
• Low roaring 

When it comes to brown noise, it is often easy to get them confused with white noise as they sound slightly similar.

Blue noise

Also known as azure noise, blue noise is a high-pitched sound, which almost sounds like a hiss and lacks bass. Some of the examples of blue noise include; 

• Hissing water spray 
• Baby crying 
• Cat meowing 

Black noise

Black noise means a lack of any noise. It is mostly silence with hints of a few sounds here and there. When it comes to enjoying a comfortable sleep, black noise can be an excellent choice. 

Now you know all the differences between pink noise vs white noise. Both the sounds can help you enjoy high-quality deep sleep. So, choose the one you find soothing in order to achieve a pleasant slumber.

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