Why is silence better for studying?

Some people study better in total silence, while others prefer listening to white noise or music in the background. Everybody’s brain function is different.

Introverts generally like silent environments. Extroverts seem to be able to handle background noise, including music, better than introverts. Some even insist that they need music to study!

However, studies show that silence is good for human brain activity and best for the most complex tasks. One study even showed that long periods of silence helped produce new brain cells.

Silence is ideal when you are studying complex information or work that requires step-by-step problem solving, such as math.

In addition, complete silence helps calm you down. Today’s world is a noisy place, which contributes to stress and tension. Silence helps rest and relax the brain, contributing to better cognitive function.

One study showed that performance of cognitive tasks suffered when background music or ambient noise was playing compared to silence.

Is silence better for concentration?

A 2006 study showed that two minutes of silence helped lower blood pressure and promoted positive blood circulation in the brain. So yes, silence is better for concentration. Our brains are bombarded with all kinds of excessive noise all day, and we need relief.

To put noise into perspective, conversation is about 60 decibels (dB). A lawnmower is about 90 dB. Sounds above 85 dB can be harmful depending on how long and how often you’re exposed to them.

When we are interrupted by environmental noise, it takes time to recuperate. We lose our train of thought. One study shows it takes about 25 minutes to regroup after an interruption.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, silence can lower your blood pressure, decrease your heart rate, steady your breathing, reduce muscle tension, and increase focus and cognition.

Silence also helps reduce stress, improves cognitive performance, and enables you to focus. It also can improve your mood and help with creative thinking.

Is it better to study with or without music?

Some people swear by studying with background music. Music can help elevate mood, which might make it easier for some people to study. Certain study music can also ease anxiety and help calm a person down.

For others, though, listening to music causes major distraction.

Why is it bad to listen to music while studying?

Numerous studies show that it’s better to study in silence than to listen to music.

Listening to loud music, complex music, or music with lyrics can throw off your concentration and ability to focus. Music can also prevent you from comprehending words while reading and memorizing facts, as your brain is preoccupied with song lyrics.

If you are going to listen to music, it’s better to choose repetitive music, instrumental music, or classical music.

What is the best background noise for studying?

The best background noise for studying often depends on the person. Broadband sounds, including white, pink, red, and brown noise, may help a person mask out unwanted noises.

White noise sounds like static, for example, a fan. Pink noise can be heard evenly across all frequencies, for example, a pouring rain. Red or brown noise sounds like gentle waves on a beach.

Because there is no other comprehension required when you are listening to broadband sounds, listening to them in the background may improve comprehension.

Nature sounds are similar to broadband sounds; however, they vary more in intensity. Some listeners prefer this variation, while others prefer the constant generated sound of white or pink noise.

Can binaural beats actually help you learn better?

Binaural beats are a perception of sound. With headphones on, your left ear hears one frequency, and your right ear hears another. These two frequencies join together to create a third tone, a “binaural beat,” which is the tone your brain hears.

The beat you hear is the

There is no evidence that binaural beats can help with learning. Binaural beats may help improve certain types of memory, and strengthen the brain’s neurological connections, making it easier to recall information.

According to Colorado State University Global, high-frequency Gamma beats may help improve problem-solving and promote the creativity required to brainstorm new ideas. These beats also show promise with attention to detail, focus, and increased cognitive flexibility.

However, more research needs to be undertaken.

How a white noise machine can help if silence isn’t an option

A white noise machine can help mask background noise if silence isn’t an option. Some people like to use them even in quiet environments to help them improve their focus, fall asleep quickly, or sleep more soundly.

How does white noise help you focus?

White noise helps you focus by providing steady, continuous masking noise that blocks out distracting noises such as children playing, dogs barking, and televisions playing. They come in handy for long study sessions.

White noise app and white noise machine study aids

There are various white noise apps and white noise machines on the market.

1. Nature sound & noise apps

Some of the more well-known nature sound and white noise apps include the following:

• Relax Melodies
• myNoise
• White Noise
• Calm
• Rain Rain Sleep Sounds
• White Noise Ambience Light
• Nature Soundscapes
• Nature Melody.

Many apps have multiple frequency settings, including white, pink, and brown. They include sounds like fan noise, rain noise, binaural beats, chimes, drums, and others. Most, if not all, include timers and alarms.

2. White noise machines

White noise machines play a variety of sounds designed to block out background noise and help you study, relax, or sleep.

Yogasleep makes various sound machines with different sounds like fans, waves, and rain. They have adjustable volume. The Rohm Travel Size Machine is portable, so you can take it with you no matter where you study.

Dreamegg also makes white noise machines that include nature sounds, fans, and white noise. Various models are available, with some also offering pink noise and ocean waves. Some models include headphone jacks, night lights, and timers.

3. Sleep & rest noise machines with timers

Sleep and rest noise machines with timers are similar to white noise machines. Their primary purpose is to promote sleep and rest.

The Hatch Rest Mini Sound Machine has soothing sounds, including wind, birds, ocean, white noise, and heartbeat. It has an adjustable timer and can be controlled via an app.

The Sharper Image Sleep Therapy Sound Soother has six sounds, including calm, rain, and white noise. It has an adjustable timer that can be set in 15-minute increments. This mini-unit is ideal for focus, relaxation, meditation, and sleep.

Noise cancelling headphones for studying in silence

Noise-canceling headphones are another great option for tuning out distracting background noise.

How noise-cancelling headphones work

Noise-cancelling headphones work by blocking out unwanted sounds. Active noise cancellation (ANC) technology uses microphones to neutralize low-frequency noise before it reaches the ears. The headset generates another sound, and the two sounds cancel each other out.

You do not have to listen to music through noise-canceling headphones. You can put them on “quiet” mode to tune out background noise to achieve a quieter environment for studying.