Short Stuff: Colorful Noises

Podcast: Stuff You Should Know
Hosts: Josh Clark & Charles W. (Chuck) Bryant
Release Date: April 9, 2025

Introduction to Colorful Noises

In this episode of Short Stuff, hosts Josh Clark and Charles W. (Chuck) Bryant delve into the fascinating world of "colorful noises," exploring various types such as white noise, brown noise, and pink noise. The discussion aims to shed light on how these sounds are perceived, their origins, and their practical applications in everyday life.

Types of Noise: White, Brown, and Pink

Charles W. Chuck Bryant initiates the conversation by introducing the concept of different "color noises" — white, brown, and pink. He mentions, “We're doing one on the different color noises. You know, white noise, brown noise, pink noise” (00:40).

• White Noise: Described as encompassing all frequencies, white noise is akin to the sound of light rain or a gentle breeze through trees. It's commonly used to aid sleep and mask other disruptive sounds.

• Brown Noise: Characterized by deeper tones with more bass and lower frequencies, brown noise resembles natural sounds like river rapids or distant thunder. Chuck humorously refers to himself as a "brown nose adherent" (01:43).

• Pink Noise: Positioned between white and brown noise, pink noise offers a balance by accentuating mid-range frequencies. It's perceived as more soothing to those who find white noise too harsh but brown noise too bass-heavy.

Historical Background: Robert Brown and Brown Noise

The hosts delve into the origins of brown noise, attributing its name to Robert Brown, a Scottish scientist from the early 1800s. Brown observed the random movements of pollen grains under a microscope, a phenomenon later explained by atomic particle interactions by Albert Einstein. Chuck explains, “...brown noise is named after Robert Brown, because he tried to figure out how to quantify these random movements” (03:35).

Applications of Different Noises

Josh Clark and Charles W. Chuck Bryant discuss the practical uses of these noises:

• Sleep Aid: White noise is widely used to help individuals fall asleep faster by drowning out background disturbances. Studies mentioned indicate that white noise can reduce the time it takes to fall asleep by up to 40% (08:55).

• Focus and Relaxation: Brown noise is utilized by some, like their friend Jerry, to enhance concentration and relaxation. However, Josh notes that while it didn’t initially help him focus at work, he appreciates its utility for sleep (01:26; 01:34).

• Memory Enhancement: Pink noise has been linked to improved memory recall. Josh cites a study where participants exposed to pink noise during sleep showed better recollection of vocabulary words, such as remembering "pickle" over "cucumber" (09:20; 09:37).

Technology: Noise Generating Apps

The hosts highlight technological advancements in noise generation:

• Dwellspring App: Created by Brandon Reed, a friend of the show and Guinness record holder, Dwellspring offers a variety of colored noises, including niche sounds like crackling fireplaces and airplane cabin ambiance (07:19; 08:10).

• Usage Tips: Chuck suggests using dedicated speakers for better sound quality and shares a personal tip of using a pillow to enhance the sound experience for naps (12:04; 13:02).

Scientific Studies on Noise and Sleep/Memory

The episode references several studies to underscore the efficacy of colored noises:

1. Oxford Study (2017): Involved eight participants who listened to white noise while sleeping. Results showed a 40% faster onset of sleep, though overall sleep quality remained unchanged (08:55).

2. Vocabulary Recall Study: A year prior, a study with 16 young adults found that those who slept with pink noise had improved recall of specific vocabulary words compared to the control group (09:20).

3. Northwestern Study (2017): Focused on 13 older adults and concluded that pink noise not only provided deeper sleep but also enhanced memory recall abilities (09:55).

4. Iranian Study: The most robust, involving 60 elderly coronary patients in a hospital setting. Half used white noise generators, while the other half did not. Those using white noise maintained consistent sleep quality despite the disruptive hospital environment, whereas the control group experienced degraded sleep over time (10:31; 11:55).

Personal Experiences and Anecdotes

Josh and Chuck share personal insights and anecdotes related to the use of colored noises:

• Jerry’s Experience: Unlike typical users who utilize noise for sleep, Jerry uses brown noise to relax or concentrate, highlighting its versatility (00:40; 01:07).

• Hospital Sleep Challenges: Josh empathizes with individuals like Yumi, who struggled with sleep disruptions while caring for her brother in a hospital. He criticizes the hospital environment for its repetitive noises and poor sleep conditions, advocating for solutions like white noise generators (10:32; 11:31).

• Humorous Remarks: The hosts inject humor into their discussion, referencing phrases like "pickles vs. cucumbers" in memory studies and Chuck’s playful napping techniques involving pillows and rum (09:37; 13:02).

Conclusion

Josh Clark and Charles W. Chuck Bryant effectively dissect the concept of colorful noises, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of white, brown, and pink noises. Through historical context, scientific studies, technological applications, and personal anecdotes, they illustrate the profound impact these sounds can have on sleep, focus, and memory. The episode concludes with practical advice for listeners seeking to harness the benefits of colored noises in their daily lives.

Notable Quotes

• Charles W. Chuck Bryant: “Brown noise is deeper, has lower frequencies. It's got more bass, minimalizes that higher frequency.” (02:04)

• Josh Clark: “In Kyoto, Japan, there is a park where the sound of wind blowing through bamboo is a protected heritage site.” (05:24)

• Charles W. Chuck Bryant: “The sound of brown noise is literally the formula for the sound of pollen moving, which is just kooky to think about.” (04:00)

• Josh Clark: “Sleeping with white noise in hospitals could prevent sleep quality degradation over time.” (11:56)

References

• Transcript Timestamps: Referenced throughout the summary for accurate attribution.
• Dwellspring App: Available on various app platforms for those interested in exploring colored noises.

Note: This summary is based on the transcript provided and aims to encapsulate the key discussions and insights from the episode "Short Stuff: Colorful Noises." For a complete experience, listening to the full episode is recommended.