White Noise for Falling Asleep: What a Small 2017 Laboratory Study Tested

If you are weighing a claim about white noise and sleep, ask which experiment it comes from. Here is one study to read in its own setting.

What was tested?

A study published December 21, 2017 analyzed 18 healthy adults across two laboratory nights in randomized order. Participants went to bed 90 minutes earlier than usual. Researchers compared ambient noise with filtered broadband sound customized to the room and delivered through speakers.¹

What changed, and what did not?

Median time from lights out to stage N2 sleep was 19 minutes with ambient noise and 13 minutes with broadband sound. Whole-group ratings of sleep quality did not differ significantly. The measured sleep-stage result and the participants’ overall ratings were different outcomes.¹

Keep that distinction when discussing a headline or product claim. Ask which outcome the claim means and whether the information you are reading provides the actual comparison.

What limits the conclusion?

The sample was small and did not have a history of insomnia. Participants knew which condition they experienced. The experiment does not establish that every sound product treats chronic insomnia, works for older women or is safe for everyone.¹

The paper reports support from Cambridge Sound Management and consultancy fees from that company for three authors.¹

This is a reading of one dated study. If you want to discuss a proposed sound product with your clinician, bring its details and the sleep concern you want help with. Keep any existing care instructions available for that discussion.

Did I Do That in My Sleep? includes a 14-Night Lights-Out Record and a Visit Brief. Use them to organize observations and appointment questions. Explore the sleep playbook.