Pink Noise Sleep Aid Harms REM Sleep

A recent study from the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine has raised concerns about the widespread use of pink noise machines for sleep. The research, published in the journal Sleep, indicates that exposure to pink noise during sleep can significantly reduce REM sleep, a critical stage for memory consolidation and emotional regulation. While pink noise can sometimes mask external sounds, the study found it introduces a constant stimulus that the brain processes, potentially at the expense of restorative sleep.

In contrast, earplugs demonstrated superior effectiveness in blocking intrusive noises, such as aircraft sounds, and preserving deep sleep stages. The study observed that individuals exposed to pink noise reported lighter sleep and more frequent awakenings, unless they used earplugs. Researchers highlight that REM sleep is vital, particularly for developing brains in children. Consequently, they caution against the general use of sound machines for newborns and toddlers until more extensive research is conducted.