White noise for sleep
A steady, even hush — like a fan or rushing air — that blankets the room and covers the sounds that would otherwise wake you. Press play; no app, no sign-up.
Tip: start it low. If the hiss feels sharp, try pink or brown noise instead. Set a sleep timer above to fade it out.
What white noise is
White noise contains every audible frequency at roughly equal power — the audio equivalent of white light holding every colour. That even spread is why it sounds like a full, steady hiss: a fan, TV static, air rushing through a vent. Because there are no gaps in it, white noise is the most thorough masker of the noise colours.
Its cousins trade some of that reach for warmth: pink noise tones down the highs to sound like rainfall, and brown noise cuts them further into a deep rumble.
Why it helps you sleep
What wakes you usually isn't volume — it's contrast. A door closing, a dog barking, a floor creaking all stand out sharply against a silent room. White noise raises the whole sound floor evenly, so those events no longer pop out, and your brain stops flagging them. That's why it's a favourite for light sleepers, shift workers sleeping by day, and noisy apartments or hotels.
- Strongest masking — covers a wide range of disruptions at once.
- Falls asleep faster — fewer sudden sounds to snag your attention.
- Fewer wake-ups — the floor stays constant all night.
- Reliable and neutral — no melody or pattern to follow.
White vs pink vs brown noise
- White noise — bright, full-spectrum, hissy. The most complete masking; can feel sharp over a long night.
- Pink noise — balanced, like rainfall. Softer; a common everyday choice.
- Brown noise — deep and muffled. The gentlest, if white feels too bright.
If white noise works for you, wonderful — it's the strongest masker. If the hiss tires your ears, step down to pink or brown; they cover almost as much with a softer tone.
How to use it well
- Keep it low. Loud isn't better — just enough to blur other sounds.
- Place the speaker away from your head, across the room.
- Start it before you lie down so the room already has a steady floor.
- Use a sleep timer if you'd rather have silence once you're asleep.
- For babies, follow safe-volume and distance guidance — see white noise for babies.
Want it to play all night, offline?
The Lullaby app loops white noise and gentle lullabies seamlessly through the night, fades them out with a sleep timer, and works with the screen off — no ads, ever.
Frequently asked
Is white noise good for sleep?
Yes — it's the most thorough masker, so it helps many people fall asleep faster and wake less. It's also the brightest colour, so if the hiss feels sharp over a full night, try pink or brown noise.
What exactly is white noise?
Every audible frequency at roughly equal power — a steady, full hiss like a fan or static. That even spread is what makes it cover other sounds so well.
Can I sleep with white noise every night?
Yes, at a low, comfortable volume. Keep it just loud enough to blur other sounds, and use a sleep timer if you'd like it to fade out once you're asleep.
Is white noise better than a lullaby?
They do different jobs — noise masks a room, a lullaby soothes with melody. Some people layer both. Try each.