RESOURCE
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December 21, 2017

Broadband Sound Administration Improves sleep Onset Latency in Healthy Subjects in a Model of Transient Insomnia

Research
Frontiers in Neurology
SUMMARY

This randomized controlled trial tested broadband sound ("white noise") as a non-pharmacological solution for improving sleep onset in people experiencing transient insomnia. Using a "sound blanket," researchers found that it significantly reduced the time to fall asleep (by 38%) compared to typical environmental noise. Participants who had trouble initiating sleep experienced the most benefit. These findings suggest that sound masking technology could serve as a safe and effective alternative to medications for addressing certain sleep issues.

RECOMMENDATION

Consider using white noise devices or apps to help fall asleep faster, especially if environmental noise disrupts your sleep. These tools may be particularly helpful for those with difficulty initiating sleep. While effective for transient insomnia, individual results may vary, and the study was conducted in a controlled environment, which may not replicate real-life conditions.

TAGS
white noise; sleep onset latency; transient insomnia; non-pharmacological treatment; broadband sound; sleep efficiency; arousal threshold; sound therapy; environmental noise; sleep quality
DEEP DIVE