Brown noise is the latest fad taking over TikTok and users are claiming it's bringing about a revolutionary change in their lives, but what exactly is it?
White noise is probably a recognizable concept to most people, and while brown noise is similar, the sounds are slightly different and seemingly have a different impact on listeners.
TikTokers have been racking up views in the millions with their reactions to hearing the apparently calming noises for the first time, with some even describing it as "smoothing their brains."
Many neurodivergent TikTok users have even claimed to have felt the effects in full force, being able to focus more clearly and even sleep better.
What Is Brown Noise?
White noise, the most famous of the frequency family, is comparable to a radio tuned to an unused frequency. It's a noise that "contains all frequencies across the spectrum of audible sound in equal measure," explained the Sleep Foundation. Many use white noise to help them get work done or to fall asleep, drowning out distractions, and studies have shown it to be effective. Although some find this sound to be effective for zoning out any background noise, many find it quite sharp and unpleasant.
Brown noise, however, while still using all frequencies, is much deeper and similar to the sound of a river or strong wind.
"Brown noise is also all audible frequencies that a human can hear, but the bass is boosted," Dr. Jeff Rodgers, DMD, D-ABDSM, D-ASBA, a sleep practitioner told Bustle. "A great example of this is a large waterfall. Think of the deep bass rumble heard at Niagara Falls versus the lighter sound of the small waterfall on the creek you may be hiking by."
Brown Noise Is Trending on TikTok
After discovering the sound, TikTokers have been taking to the app in a bid to share exactly how much it's impacted them.
Users film themselves playing it for the first time in real-time or encouraging others to try it out, using the popular app audio "Pure Brown Noise."
The tag #brownnoise has over 62.2 million views on TikTok and individual videos have reached viral level. Videos can be dated back to February, but the trend has truly blown up over the past month.
One user, @kellysalpeter, described the discovery of brown noise as sounding like "driving home as a kid at night and falling asleep in the backseat, powerful rain and the peace of an airplane ride." Others have described it as making their brain "soft in the best way possible."
Brown noise has particularly resonated with those with ADHD on the app, who say playing it aids them to concentrate and focus.
Brown Noise and ADHD
Little research has been carried out on the relationship between ADHD and brown noise, but that's not to say the anecdotal experiences of TikTok users count for nothing.
White noise has shown in studies to potentially improve the symptoms of ADHD in children, including speech recognition and reading and writing speed. Not all the symptoms were improved, however, and studies acknowledge that further research is needed into any connections between white noise and ADHD.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
