Can Ambient Sounds Help You Sleep Better?

At Devon Duvets, we believe in creating a sleep experience that’s both natural and restorative. From our handcrafted wool duvets to thoughtful tips on achieving better rest, our aim is to help you find what truly works for your body and mind.
One topic that has been highlighted in recent years is ‘white noise’. This a gentle, consistent sound, that many people say can help them sleep.
What is white noise?
White noise is a consistent background sound made up of all audible frequencies played at equal intensity. It’s often compared to the soft hiss of static on a radio or the gentle hum of an electric fan. It can mask sudden noises both outside and inside your home, for example a car door slamming or a distant conversation, which can interrupt your sleep, and especially if you are a light sleeper.
There are also other types of ambient noise worth knowing about, for example:
- Pink noise: A softer, more natural-sounding version of white noise, such as rain or rustling leaves.
- Brown noise: Deeper and more robust, for example distant thunder or crashing waves.
The consistent nature of these sounds can help your brain relax, reduce anxiety, and make it easier to drift off.
How can white noise help support sleep?
- It can reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, especially in noisy environments.
- It helps create a stable background sound environment, masking disturbances that might wake you.
- It may encourage deeper sleep cycles, by limiting interruptions during the night.
Research has shown that people exposed to white noise fell asleep up to 38% faster. Studies carried out in hospitals, showed that patients exposed to white noise experienced improved rest, despite unavoidable background sounds.
How can I use white noise to help me sleep?
Here are a few simple ways to incorporate it into your sleep routine:
- White noise machines: These are specifically designed for sleep, with built-in soundscapes.
- Mobile apps: many free and paid apps offer white, pink, and brown noise options.
- Household items: A fan, air purifier or even recordings of nature sounds can do the trick.
Keep the volume low - it should be gentle, barely noticeable. The aim is to create a peaceful background, not a noisy distraction.
How to combine white noise with natural comfort
When white noise is paired with a sleep environment that’s truly comfortable, such as our natural, breathable bedding, then this combination can really add to the quality of your sleep.
Our award-winning wool duvets are handcrafted in Devon using 100% British wool, with a beautiful 100% cotton fabric casing, and are natural, sustainable and chemical-free. Wool is a wonderful and breathable fibre, which not only supports temperature regulation but also provides a hypoallergenic and dust-mite-resistant sleeping space, so is ideal for those who suffer from allergies.
For more information about us and our luxurious soft bedding products, visit our website. We have a range of duvets, pillows and mattress toppers, each one individually handcrafted by our seamstresses in our Devon workshops. If you have any questions, then just get in touch with our team, who’ll be happy to help.