Pink noise
Softer than white, like steady rain. Free, live and never looping.
Change the mix
Steady rain on the village green, heard from indoors.
This hour at The Kettle & Rain is not yet sponsored. Put your name over the door.
What pink noise is
Pink noise carries the same power in every octave, which means it gets a little quieter as the pitch rises. To the ear that sounds balanced: neither hissy like white noise nor boomy like brown.
A great many natural sounds are close to pink, including steady rain, wind in leaves and a river. That is part of why it is easy to live with.
Pink noise and sleep
Pink noise is often recommended for sleep. A few small studies have looked at it, with mixed results, so treat it as something to try rather than a treatment. Play it quietly, and use the sleep timer if you would rather it did not run all night.
Questions
Is pink noise better than white noise?
Neither is better. Pink is softer and many people find it more pleasant for long listening. White is brighter and covers sharp sounds a little more effectively.
What does pink noise sound like?
Like steady, even rain with no single drops, or a waterfall from a little way off.
Can I play pink noise for a baby?
People do. Keep it quiet, keep the speaker well away from the cot and do not leave it running all night. For advice about a particular child, ask a health visitor or a doctor.
