Brownian noise
Brownian noise, also referred to as brown noise or red noise, is a sound characterized by a rich presence of low-frequency sounds, often reminiscent of natural phenomena such as waterfalls, heavy rain, or rumbling thunder. Unlike white noise, which encompasses all sound wave frequencies, Brownian noise minimizes higher frequencies, resulting in a deeper, more soothing auditory experience. This quality has led many people to find Brownian noise calming, and it is often explored as a potential aid for sleep, anxiety, and concentration, particularly for individuals with conditions like ADHD.
The term "Brownian" originates from the 19th-century botanist Robert Brown, who discovered the erratic movement of pollen in water, a phenomenon that mirrored the random fluctuations found in Brownian noise. While scientific research on the effectiveness of Brownian noise for sleep and focus is limited, anecdotal evidence has gained significant attention, particularly on social media platforms. As interest in this type of noise grows, experts emphasize the need for further studies to better understand its potential benefits and any possible drawbacks. Overall, Brownian noise presents an intriguing option for those seeking a soothing auditory backdrop for various activities.
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Brownian noise
Brownian noise, also known as brown noise or red noise, is a type of background sound that includes a large quantity of low-frequency sounds. It is similar to the sounds made by waterfalls, heavy rain, low rumbling thunder, or a heavy wind. Brownian noise is generally considered to be very soothing. Some people claim that it helps with anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as makes it easier to sleep.
Background
Brownian noise takes its name from Scottish botanist Robert Brown (1773–1858). While studying pollen in water under a microscope in 1827, he observed that it appeared to move erratically, even though it had no means of movement. He recorded his observation, and later scientists named this type of random movement in his honor. The sound waves of Brownian noise move in a similar random, sometimes erratic fashion—some have compared it to how a toddler just learning to walk moves—which prompted scientists to use the same name for this type of sound. The name is often shortened to brown noise. It is also sometimes called red noise because red light waves have higher concentrations of low-frequency light than white light waves do, just as red noise has higher levels of low-frequency sounds than white noise.
Overview
People are often most familiar with white noise, which is a sound that combines all sound wave frequencies to create a noise resembling static, a fan or motor, or rustling leaves. Brownian noise is like white noise but does not contain higher frequency sounds. This makes it sound lower, with more of a deeper rumble and bass tone. It has been compared to the sound of a hard ocean surf, a heavy storm, or a large waterfall. Some people think it is more pleasant to listen to than white noise because it does not contain the higher frequencies.
Machines that generate white noise to serve as a sleep aid have been around for many years. Some machines have also been developed that use other types of background noises, including those known as pink, blue, violet, gray, and black, as well as brown noise. While only a few scientific studies have been published on the possible effectiveness of Brownian noise in helping people sleep, many people claim that it does. Scientists also think that it might help with concentration and focus because it blocks out distractions that interfere with these functions. Brownian noise may therefore help when students are studying, or workers need to focus to increase productivity.
In the summer of 2022, an account on social media that claimed listening to brown noise helped a person with ADHD and anxiety calm down generated a great deal of attention. The related video clip was viewed almost ten million times in a few weeks. Experts who commented on the situation said that while it was possible that brown noise could help situations like this, it was equally possible that there could be harmful effects and more study was needed.
Bibliography
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