Brown Noise for Sleep
Deep brown noise that masks low-end distractions.
Mix Layers
How to use
- Press Play — the page loads brown noise at a bedtime-friendly volume.
- Turn on the 30m or 60m sleep timer so it fades out automatically once you're asleep.
- If the low-end feels too strong, lower the layer slider rather than the master — that lets you keep space for adding rain or another layer later.
FAQ
Why brown noise instead of white for sleep?
Brown noise emphasises low frequencies and has very little top-end hiss. For most people this makes it more restful than white noise over long sessions, and it's more effective at masking low-frequency disturbances like traffic and footsteps.
Is brown noise a recording?
No. It's generated in your browser with the Web Audio API (random walk filter). Nothing is downloaded, and the output is slightly different every session.
Does brown noise damage hearing?
At reasonable bedtime levels (around 40–50% here, which translates to moderate room volume), brown noise is considered safe for all-night use. As with any long-exposure sound, keep the device at a comfortable distance.
What brown noise is
Brown noise (sometimes called red noise) has its energy concentrated in
low frequencies, rolling off at around -6 dB per octave. That's a much
steeper low-end emphasis than pink noise, and it's why brown noise sounds
like a distant waterfall or deep rumble rather than a hiss.
Why it works for sleep
Most nighttime wake-up triggers (doors, footsteps, HVAC, traffic, distant
voices) have significant low-frequency content. Brown noise overlaps that
range exactly, so it masks disturbances without the fatiguing top-end of
white noise.
Best practices
- If the lows feel too intense, try the generic Brown & Pink Noise page and
mix in ~25% pink noise — that flattens the spectrum without losing the
masking benefit. - Pair with rain for a "cabin in the rain" variant; see Sleep Sounds with
Rain for a ready-made version.