White Noise: The Secret to Better Sleep?

If you’ve ever struggled to fall asleep because of a barking dog, traffic outside your window, a snoring partner, or the occasional unexpected household noise, you may have discovered one surprisingly simple sleep aid: white noise.

For Lauri Leadley, Clinical Sleep Educator and founder of Valley Sleep Center, white noise is a favorite—and for good reason.

What Is White Noise?

White noise is a consistent, steady sound that helps mask sudden or distracting noises in your environment. Think of the gentle hum of a fan or the constant sound of static.

Rather than allowing your brain to react to every little sound around you, white noise creates a steady auditory backdrop that can make those disruptions less noticeable.

For people who are easily awakened by environmental sounds, that can make it easier to stay asleep.

Why Lauri Loves White Noise

Lauri appreciates white noise because of its simplicity and consistency. Instead of silence, which can make every little sound stand out, white noise provides a continuous sound that helps “smooth out” the noise environment around you.

And one of its biggest advantages? There isn’t a one-size-fits-all sound for sleep.

While Lauri personally prefers white noise, she encourages people to experiment with different sounds to discover what works best for them.

White, Pink or Brown Noise: What’s the Difference?

You may have heard of pink noise or brown noise, too. These sounds are similar to white noise but have different sound profiles.

White noise has a consistent frequency distribution and can sound somewhat like static.
Pink noise tends to have a softer, more balanced quality and is often compared to steady rainfall.
Brown noise has deeper, lower-frequency tones and can sound more like a low rumble.

The important thing to remember is that there’s no universal winner. Your ideal sleep sound is the one that you find relaxing and that doesn’t become distracting.

Ready to Give It a Try?

If you’ve never used sound as part of your sleep routine, Lauri recommends starting with an app so you can experiment without purchasing anything.

Apps such as SleepGenius or Pzizz offer different sounds and sleep-focused experiences that can help you determine what you find most relaxing.

Prefer something more traditional? A dedicated sound machine, such as the Yogasleep Nod, is another option for creating consistent background noise in your bedroom.

Try different sounds, volume levels and settings over several nights. You may find that a gentle, consistent sound becomes a helpful part of your bedtime routine.

The Bottom Line

White noise isn’t a magic cure for every sleep problem, but it can be a simple tool for creating a more consistent and peaceful sleep environment—especially if unexpected sounds tend to interrupt your rest.

As Lauri says, when it comes to sleep sounds, personal preference matters most.

So if you’re looking for an easy addition to your nighttime routine, give white noise—or pink or brown noise—a try. Your perfect sleep soundtrack might be just a few clicks away.

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