Did you know that sounds, just like light, come in colours? Known as noise colours, these different types of sound frequencies can have surprising effects on our brain, body, and emotional state. Whether you’re looking to improve sleep, boost focus, or manage anxiety, understanding noise colours can help you choose the right sound environment for your needs.
What Are Noise Colours?
Noise colours refer to sounds with specific frequency profiles. Much like how light is made up of different colours depending on its wavelength, noise colours vary based on the intensity of their sound frequencies — from deep, rumbling bass to high-pitched treble.
Each colour of noise offers unique properties and benefits. Let’s have a look at the most common ones.
⚪ White Noise
What it is:
White noise contains all audible frequencies (20 Hz to 20,000 Hz) played at equal intensity. This gives it a sharp, consistent hiss — similar to static on a TV or the hum of an electric fan or air conditioner.
Sounds like:
A steady “hiss” or soft static.
Benefits:
- Masks sudden background noises (e.g. traffic, voices)
- Helps with sleep and focus
- Commonly used in sleep machines for both babies and adults
🌸 Pink Noise
What it is:
Pink noise also includes all audible frequencies, but unlike white noise, it reduces the volume of higher frequencies. The result is a softer, more balanced and more natural sound that mimics many ambient environments.
Sounds like:
- Rainfall
- Ocean waves
- Wind through trees
- Waterfalls
- Heartbeats
Benefits:
- Promotes deep, restful sleep
- Supports memory consolidation
- Calming and less jarring than white noise — ideal for meditation or relaxation
🤎 Brown Noise (Also called Red Noise)
What it is:
Brown noise amplifies low frequencies even more than pink noise, creating a deeper, bass-heavy, rumbling sound. It’s often described as richer and more grounding.
Sounds like:
- Thunder
- Strong waterfall
- Heavy rainfall
- Crashing waves
- Distant rumbling
- Shower
Benefits:
- Calming and centering
- May help ease anxiety and ADHD symptoms
- Excellent for masking low-frequency distractions
🔵 Blue Noise
What it is:
Blue noise is the opposite of brown noise — it boosts higher frequencies, making it sharper and more treble-focused.
Sounds like:
A high-pitched hiss, sharper than white noise.
Benefits:
- Sometimes used to mask tinnitus
- Some people find it boost their creativity
🟣 Violet Noise
What it is:
Violet noise emphasises very high frequencies and lacks any low-end. It’s the most treble-heavy of all noise colours.
Sounds like:
A very high-pitched hiss; often unpleasant to most human ears.
Benefits:
- Occasionally used in tinnitus therapy
Quick Guide to Noise Colours
| Noise Colour | Frequency Emphasis | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| White | All frequencies equal | Sleep, focus, baby sleep |
| Pink | More low than high | Deep sleep, memory, relaxation |
| Brown/Red | Deep bass tones | Anxiety, ADHD, focus, relaxation |
| Blue | More high than low | Tinnitus (select cases) |
| Violet | High frequencies only | Tinnitus therapy (rarely used) |
Which Colour of Noise Is Best for You?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Choosing the right noise colour is largely a matter of personal preference and specific needs. Some people prefer brown noise to calm anxiety and create focus, while others find white or pink noise the most effective for sleep.
Recent research suggests:
- White noise may benefit people with ADHD, especially those with inattentive symptoms.
- Pink noise may enhance deep sleep and memory. Given its softer sound, pink noise is commonly considered more pleasing and relaxing than white noise.
- Brown noise could support concentration and reduce stress.
There’s not a lot of scientific evidence for many of the claims so in short, don’t believe all you’ve found online, including my blog. Try listening to a few types and see how your mind and body respond. For me? Rainfall, ocean wave and cat purr help me relax.
Whether you’re working, meditating, or winding down for the night, tuning into the right sound could be the key to feeling more focused, balanced, and rested.
Leave a Reply