White noise works by combining a broad spectrum of sound waves to produce the end result of a steady, repeated noise series. These frequencies can then be used to help the listener block out the rest of the world, as all they hear is the same generic noise. Eventually the brain naturally blocks the rest of the frequencies out leaving you with a much more clear mind. Many find this to be one of the most important aspects of relaxation and really being able to focus on your thoughts. It is because of this that white noise is often combined with mediation or worked into one’s meditation music.

Many people who struggle with sleep problems related to outside noise can also find solace in white noise. A very common example of this is the pre-loaded sounds that come with many alarm clocks such as the sound of a river, ocean, or forest. All of these are white noises and work essentially the same. This calming example of white noise is responsible for helping millions of Americans sleep by drowning out the unwanted and stressful noises of the outside and allowing them to receded into their own personal state of relaxation.

Stress is another major issue that many people struggle with. It is very difficult to not get caught up in the worry of deadlines, dates, and appointments that all of us must deal with on a regular basis. Recovering from this stress seems to be harder than the activities that caused the stress in the first place. One of the key steps in reducing generalized anxiety is to remove all other distractions and only focus on what is truly important. White noise helps many people do this in a fantastic way that was never thought possible before. When listening to white noise, you are more focused on the single task that you are currently doing. This can not only make you much more productive than before, but also reduce stress on an astronomical level.

Everyone can identify with having too much clutter on your mind to deal with at one time. This is a very normal response due to the sheer amount of things that we are responsible for everyday. One of the beautiful things about white noise is it’s ability to help you remove this clutter and leave you with a much enjoyed quiet mind. White noise manages to do this while at the same time not overstimulating your mind and making it difficult to think. This invaluable effect of white noise has attributed greatly to it’s rise in popularity in recent years as more and more people are discovering the health benefits of it.

The medical field could also see some use of white noise in the future. As more research is done on the effects of white noise, it’s effectiveness in the use of ADD and ADHD treatment is becoming much more visible. This makes sense, as white noise tends to cancel out unnecessary thought clutter and help listeners focus. Some medical studies are even making the claim that white noise may be as effective for prescription drugs for the treatment of these disorders. If this proves to be true, dangerous drugs such as Adderall and Ritalin could greatly reduce in their use and vastly improve the health of Americans.

Overall, white noise is certainly something that should be considered by those seeking to reduce their level stress or improve their sleep. Listening to a simple noise could have the potential to solve many problems for you that appeared to be more complicated than they were. The potential medical use of white noise also seems very promising as not only has it proven to be effective in the treatment of several disorders, such as tinnitus (see research here), but also no drug could ever be safer than simply listening to a noise.

Here are some white noise sounds that might help.

Bathtub filling with water

Ocean Sounds