Sleep – we all want it, but it’s not always easy to come by. If you’re one of the 79% of Brits who struggle to switch off and nod off each night, you have probably already experimented with a few different tactics. Undoubtedly, you’ve come across techniques like white noise. Perhaps, you’ve even heard of other types of fuzzy, nondescript sounds like brown noise and even pink noise. Each of these types of noise refers to sound of a specific frequency and each promises to help your brain switch off so that you can drift off to dreamland. Now, there’s a new type of noise making the rounds: green noise. Think of it as a happy medium between the fuzzy sounds of white noise and the rustling, tweeting and wind sounds you might find on a jungle sounds playlist. 

We spoke to Elyse Wagner, a health and well-being expert to find out a little more.

What is green noise?

Green noise is a frequency of white noise. What does that actually mean? Well, white noise actually combines all of the frequencies that are audible to the human ear. In practice, this sounds kind of like distant machinery – think the rumble of a washing machine or the fuzz of a TV which can sometimes feel harsh or overwhelming.

Green noise, on the other hand, is one specific frequency – 500 Hz, to be precise – that is thought to sound similar to the sounds we hear outdoors. “Think of the sound of a waterfall, the rustling of leaves, or the gentle hum of a forest,” says Wagner. “It’s designed to be calming and can help promote relaxation and sleep.”

It can also help you nod off as it helps block out more distracting sounds like a snoring partner or an annoying car alarm outside.

How is green noise different from other noise “colours”?

If you struggle to sleep, chances are, you may have already tried white noise to help you drift off. You might have even tried other noise “colours”. Is green noise really all that different?

Green noise vs brown noise

Admittedly, brown noise is pretty similar to white noise. However, some people think it sounds deeper and muddier.

“Brown noise is a low-frequency sound produced by the same process that causes Brownian motion (random particle motion),” Martin Seele, CEO of Mattress Next Day previously told us at Stylist. He added, “Typical sounds featured in brown noise would be low, rumbly noises, such as thunder, strong winds, the ocean, strong river currents, heavy rain or the hum of an aeroplane.”

Green noise vs pink noise

Pink noise is also slightly lower than white noise, although it may not sound quite as low and ominous as brown noise.

“Green noise shares similarities with pink noise but is more specifically aligned with natural, environmental sounds,” says Elyse Wagner. “Both green and pink noise are used to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, but green noise may be more appealing to those who find nature sounds particularly soothing.”

What are some green noise benefits?

Green noise is most commonly discussed in its relationship to sleep quality.

“Green noise can create a calming environment that helps people fall asleep faster and enjoy more restful sleep,” says Wagner. “The natural sounds can mask disruptive noises, creating a consistent sound environment.” For many, the non-descript, vaguely natural sounds of green noise can be a welcome alternative to the grungier, harsher sounds offered by other noise “colours.”

However, better sleep isn’t the only benefit, she says: “Listening to green noise can help reduce stress and anxiety by mimicking the calming effects of nature. This can lead to lower cortisol levels and a more relaxed state of mind.” 

It might also help you focus while you’re working. “By providing a steady, unobtrusive background sound that masks distracting noises, it can help people who work or study in noisy environments,” Wagner says.

In other words, it can also be a great thing to have on in the background during the day.

Green noise tracks and apps to help you nod off

Interested in trying green noise out for yourself? Luckily, there are plenty of free tracks online and on music streaming services. Here’s one video, for instance, that offers green noise for 12 hours straight.

You could also try apps like Noisli, Calm and NatureSpace, which offer natural soundscapes as an alternative to green noise.

Images: Getty