Some people prefer the sound of silence and the tranquility of peace and quiet when they are trying to sleep. However, recent research has revealed that 38% of Americans rely on some sort of background noise to drift away to dreamland. According to a random double opt-in survey conducted by Talker Research (formerly OnePoll U.S.) on behalf of Newsweek involving 1000 general population Americans, nearly half of Gen Z say that when it comes to going to sleep, the silence is not golden.
The analysis of 1000 people from different age groups involving data from their regular sleep patterns and the use of sounds to help them slumber, with a focus on the difference between generations, revealed how sleeping habits have changed over the years. From being told to be quiet at bedtime to seeking out background noise, the numbers show how things have changed.
Among the Gen Z respondents in their early to mid-twenties, 49% report needing some kind of white noise or background sounds to help them drift off to slumber towns. This represents closer to half of today’s young adults finding the sound of silence to be disruptive when they are trying to sleep.
This trend is not just Gen Z though, 41% of Millennials and 40% of Gen X feel the same way about the sound of silence as they are trying to slumber. However, Baby Boomers report feeling the opposite, with only 32% using white noise to help them sleep and the majority preferring the quiet approach.
White Noise As A Sleep Aid
“White noise can be a powerful sleep aid, especially for Gen Z, who are often immersed in a digital environment where silence is scarce,” Dr. Chelsea Perry, owner of Sleep Solutions, explained as to what could be behind the change. “It works by masking background sounds that might otherwise be disruptive and can create a consistent auditory environment that the brain finds relaxing.”
“For Gen Z in particular, the dependence on white noise could stem from the high exposure to screens and constant stimulation. Their minds may be more conditioned to need a form of soft noise as a signal to unwind,” Perry adds “Using white noise might offer a calming transition, helping counteract the overstimulation from phones and other devices.”
Modern digital lifestyle surrounds us with pings and boops from notifications all day, our brains may need help to transition from the bombardment to a peaceful snooze mode. To add to this simply being quiet at bedtime might not work for everyone. For example, some people are night owls and some are early birds, perhaps the noise helps night owls to slumber more peacefully.
The findings from this study are in line with those of another study published in the journal Sleep Medicine reporting benefits of white noise. The findings from this current research add to previous research and could help to influence the development of sleep products such as more sophisticated white noise machines or apps catering to different age group preferences. Your smartphone app may even be able to learn which sleep soundscapes work best for you based on your age and preferences in the future.
For families the finding may resolve some of the bedtime tension and confusion, helping to explain why some people need a running fan at night to sleep or why some people need complete silence for restful sleep.
Regardless of your generation and sleep preference, it may be time to rethink advice given on the best way to fall asleep, given the changing preferences found in this study. Perhaps when giving advice, it is time to acknowledge that sometimes a little background noise might be what some people need to slumber soundly.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement. Additionally, it is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
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References/Sources/Materials provided by:
TJ Webber at WHN
https://www.newsweek.com/gen-zs-white-noise-habit-1989479
https://worldhealth.net/news/listening-colored-noise-help-get-more-sleep/
