The Surprising Benefits of Coloured Noise for Your Mind

Have you ever found yourself soothed by the gentle hum of a fan, the steady rush of rain, or the low rumble of distant thunder? These comforting sounds are more than just background noise – they’re examples of coloured noise, and they can do wonders for your mental health.

Let’s explore how different colours of noise can help you relax, focus, and feel your best.

What Is Coloured Noise?

Coloured noise refers to sounds with specific frequency patterns. The most common types are white, pink, brown, and green noise. Each has its own unique sound and benefits for your mind and mood. An understanding of the colours is explored in more detail in Composer Focus – read more here.

How Coloured Noise Supports Mental Health

1. Better Sleep

White noise (think: static on a television) and pink noise (like steady rainfall) are popular for improving sleep. They mask disruptive sounds and help your brain settle into a restful rhythm, making it easier to fall – and stay – asleep.
Pink noise, in particular, has been shown to enhance deep sleep, which is crucial for memory and emotional health.

2. Reduced Stress and Anxiety

The calming effect of coloured noise can soothe your nervous system. Brown noise (like a deep waterfall or thunder) and green noise (nature sounds) are especially good for relaxation and stress relief.
These sounds help activate your body’s “rest and digest” mode, lowering anxiety and promoting a sense of calm.

3. Improved Focus and Concentration

Struggling to concentrate? Coloured noise can help block out distractions. Brown and white noise are favourites for boosting focus, especially for people with ADHD or anyone working in a noisy environment.
By providing a steady, non-distracting background, these noises help your brain tune out interruptions and stay on task.

4. Enhanced Creativity and Productivity

Some people find that listening to coloured noise sparks creativity and helps them get into a productive flow. Brown noise, in particular, has been linked to improved working memory and creative thinking.

5. Emotional Well-being

Coloured noise isn’t just for sleep or work. It’s also used in therapy to create a safe, calming environment that supports emotional healing and growth.
Whether you’re journaling, meditating, or just unwinding after a long day, these sounds can help you feel more centred and present.

Which Colour Should You Try?

Here’s a quick guide to help you choose:

Noise Colour	What It Sounds Like	Best For
White	TV static, fan	Sleep, relaxation, masking noise
Pink	Rainfall, ocean waves	Deep sleep, anxiety, memory
Brown	Thunder, waterfall	Focus, stress relief, creativity
Green	Nature, flowing water	Relaxation, mood boost

Tips for Using Coloured Noise

Start with low volume – just enough to mask distractions.
Try different colours to see which one feels best for you.
Use coloured noise during sleep, work, study, meditation, or whenever you need a mental reset.
Remember, everyone’s brain is different. What works wonders for one person might not for another, so experiment and see what suits you.

Coloured noise offers a simple, drug-free way to support your mental health. Whether you need better sleep, less stress, or sharper focus, there’s a colour of noise out there waiting to help you find your calm.