What is green noise and how can it help sleep and mental wellbeing?
We've all heard about the concept of white noise and how the gentle whir of a fan or the hum of the hoover, can help mask or drown out unwanted sounds to help you get a better night's sleep.
But turns out it's not the only "noise colour" on the wellbeing block, with green noise causing quite the buzz on social media right now thanks to advocates waxing lyrical about its ability to power up the peacefulness.
But what exactly is green noise and can it really promote better wellness and sleep?
What is green noise?
Before we get into the finer details of what constitutes green noise, it is probably worth explaining what colour noise is in general.
“Colour noise is a relatively new trend for sleep but it's well-known in the fields of physics and electronics," explains Lisa Artis, deputy CEO of The Sleep Charity. "The colours refer to different types of noise that all sound unique to the ear."
Attributing a colour to a type of sound is simply a way of categorising the type of noise (eg low/calming etc).
Green noise is associated with the more soothing sounds of nature (hence the name). Think leaves rustling in a gentle breeze, the babble of a flowing stream and birds chirping gently around you.
Adding to the green noise chatter, a new survey has suggested the sounds of nature - wood crackling, the gentle snore of a dog or trickling water, could in fact hold the key to calmness, relaxation and happiness.
Almost three quarters (72%) of the 2,000 Brits who took part in the study, said certain 'green' sounds - like rustling leaves (23%) and snow crunching under foot (19%) - instantly calmed their minds.
"Our environment profoundly influences our mental state, and sound is a key component in this dynamic, playing a critical role in our overall mental health and wellbeing," explains mental health psychologist, Dr Becky Spelman.
"The influence of sound on our emotional state is profound and often overlooked. Nature sounds, often referred to as green noise, can create a calming atmosphere that significantly alleviates stress."
How can green noise improve our mental health?
When we listen to the gentle sounds of nature, like a waterfall cascading over rocks or the soft rustling of leaves in a breeze, Dr Spelman says we allow our minds to shift from a state of alertness to one of relaxation.
"This transition is essential for mental clarity and peace, as it provides a respite from the constant demands of daily life," she explains.
Sounds sited as happy and relaxing by those polled in the study, by Aqua Sana Forest Spa include the sound of rain on a tent (38%), the wind whistling through trees (30%) and the sound of a thunderstorm in the distance (28%).
"Our auditory senses have a unique ability to trigger memories and emotions," Dr Spelman explains. "The soothing sounds of nature can evoke feelings of safety and comfort, reminding us of serene environments where we feel most at ease. By intentionally incorporating these sounds into our lives, we can create a sanctuary that promotes emotional well-being and resilience."
The impact of green noise on sleep
While advocates of green noise, praise its power to promote relaxation, one of the main benefits cited is that of a better night's rest.
Zoe Ball recently revealed she had turned to green noise to help her sleep in the wake of her return to BBC Radio 2.
"I fall asleep listening to green noise," she told listeners on her show. "I used to listen to brown noise, you know white noise! Supposedly you can listen to them wherever you get your music from, green music is water-based I think! Rivers, brooks and sometimes the rain, although I do worry it makes me need the loo more often!”
Artis says green noise is currently trending on social media as 'THE sleep noise'. "The humming noise mimics water sounds and is ‘deeper’ and less ‘pitchy’ than white noise.
"The purpose of these noise tracks is to block out background noise so you can fall into a deeper sleep."
As the newest noise on the social block scientific research hasn’t yet found enough concrete evidence for the benefits of green noise.
But some green noise fans believe that because green noise fluctuates at a slow rate, it could mask sounds that are subconsciously bothering you, therefore helping you to drift off more easily.
"There is not much research currently on the benefits of green noise, but studies have found that pink noise – which has a similar frequency range – can have a significant effect on sleep quality," Artis adds.
"After listening to a track for a period of time, your brain waves match the frequency of the track, meaning your sleep is more stable."
Given its similarity to pink noise, Artis says green noise may be beneficial for those frequently awoken by outside noise, such as loud neighbours or traffic.
"Or people who struggle to have a deep, undisturbed night’s sleep including those struggling with stress or medical conditions," she adds.
As with most sleep tips, Artis says it is important to listen to your body and take note of what works and what doesn’t.
"Just because it works for someone else, doesn’t mean it has to work for you!"
Brits' 30 most calming sounds
Waves crashing onto the shore – 50%
Bird song – 46%
The sound of a waterfall – 41%
The trickle of a stream – 40%
The sound of rain on a tent – 38%
The wind whistling through the trees – 30%
A thunderstorm in the distance – 28%
The soft purr of a cat – 27%
Wood crackling and popping on an open fire – 26%
Windchimes – 24%
Rustling leaves – 23%
Spa music – 22%
Sounds of the rainforest – 20%
The sound of snow crunching underfoot – 19%
Sound of a harp – 18%
A baby giggling – 18%
The gentle ticking of a clock – 13%
Church bells ringing – 12%
White noise on the TV – 11%
A water sprinkler – 11%
The rhythm of a train on the tracks – 11%
A child’s bedtime story – 10%
A bath being run – 10%
A drink being poured into a glass – 9%
The clinking of ice cubes in a glass or jug – 8%
Your dog snoring – 7%
The sound of cicadas on holiday – 7%
Horses’ hooves on the ground – 7%
The pfft when opening a canned drink – 7%
Splashing in the bath – 6%
Read more about sleep
How to get a better night’s sleep at any age (Yahoo Life UK, 6-min read)
I've been testing Simba's Hybrid Pillow for a month, and my sleep has never been better (Yahoo UK)
Seven reasons to consider sleeping apart from your partner (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read)
