The Rainbow of Sound: Exploring Color Noises for Better Sleep with Hatch

For parents working on their child's sleep routine or adults investing in their own sleep wellness, white noise is a common tool. But did you know there's a whole spectrum of color noises beyond basic white noise? Just like light colors have different wavelengths, color noises have distinct sound properties that can impact sleep and relaxation in different ways. It’s not as woo-woo as it sounds, let’s find what color noise is right for you. 

At Hatch, we're all about using light, sound, and nurturing routines to create a dreamy sleep environment. Our Rest community can choose between our classic white noise or calming brown noise for their child’s sleep sound. Restore customers have access to four color noise options green, pink, white, and brown.

So what differentiates these color noises, and how can you choose the right one for your needs? Let's explore the sound rainbow and the unique benefits of each color noise.

White Noise: The Balanced Baseline

White noise gets its name because it contains all frequencies that the human ear can detect playing simultaneously at equal intensity. This creates a steady, flat ambient sound similar to static. The balanced frequency mixture makes white noise effective for masking external noises across a wide range of pitches.

Many people find this constant ambient sound helpful for relaxation and sleep. Numerous studies show white noise can improve sleep quality and make it easier to fall asleep. It can also provide relief for conditions like tinnitus by masking the perceived ringing.

On Hatch devices, white noise serves as the baseline to help lull restless babies and mask nighttime noises for light sleepers of any age. It creates a steady sonic backdrop for sleep while still allowing some external sounds to be perceived.

Brown Noise: The Deepest Calm

As we move down the spectrum, brown noise dials back those higher frequencies even more for a deeply relaxing low-pitched audio experience. Often described as a sort of soft roar or rumbling, brown noise emphasizes the lowest bass tones our ears can detect.

This ultra-muted sound is ideal when you really want to cut out external noises and ambient distractions. The lack of high frequencies can drown out sharper sounds while still creating a rhythmic backdrop. Brown noise provides one of the most immersive soundscapes for sleep, relaxation, or concentration.

Many Restore users find brown noise to be their sweet spot for a worry-free slumber. And parents using Rest appreciate how brown noise can mask extraneous noises that tend to disrupt their little ones.

Pink Noise: Soft and Steady

While it still plays all frequencies, pink noise lowers the higher frequency volumes. This results in a gentler, more concentrated low-frequency sound reminiscent of steady rainfall or ocean waves.

The emphasis on lower pitches and hushed volume makes pink noise feel softer and more calming for many people. Multiple studies associate pink noise with decreased sleep latency and improved sleep quality overall. For adults, pink noise can provide a calming background ambiance great for meditation, gentle movement like yoga, or anytime you want to relieve stress. The subtle yet steady rhythm taps into our natural preference for non-threatening low-frequency sounds.

Green Noise: Nature's Soundtrack

Green noise may sound like a made-up term, but it’s way more than a TikTok trend, it's actually designed to mimic the beautiful ambient noise of the great outdoors. While the precise formula blends frequencies in a naturalistic way, the overall effect resonates like wind, rain, leaves rustling, and other serene outdoor environments.

The name "green noise" stems from the fact that it lets the peaceful mid-range "green" frequencies come through more prominently. These frequencies overlap with many of the soothing tonalities present in natural settings.

On the Hatch Restore, our green noise creates a lush, organic backdrop that can transport you and your little one to a relaxing forest or meadow. The familiar yet dynamic pattern can make green noise feel more engaging than brown or pink while retaining that soothing quality.

For adults who don't sleep well with constant sounds, green noise offers welcome variation to help avoid auditory adaptation. And its organic, earthly vibes just feel good to drift off to.

Making Color Noises Work for You

As you explore the spectrum of sound, there's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing a color noise for your sleep routine or wind down time. Hatch Restore and Rest devices make it easy to sample different options and find your frequency.

Some general guidelines: If you need to mask louder, higher-pitched environmental noise, white noise may be preferable. For a more soothing, immersive blanket of sound, muted tones like brown and pink noise can work wonders. And nature lovers often gravitate toward the organic, varied textures of green noise.

Ultimately, the "right" color noise comes down to personal preference and what creates the most serenity for you. So feel free to mix things up and discover new aural paths to relaxation with Hatch! Sweet dreams on a rainbow of sound.