Story perspectives

Study Reveals Pink Noise Disrupts Sleep Quality Significantly

2/4/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A University of Pennsylvania study led by Dr. Mathias Basner finds pink noise reduces REM sleep by about 19 minutes and deep sleep by about 23 minutes.
The study involved 25 healthy adults over seven nights, exposing them to various noise types.
Participants reported lighter sleep and more awakenings with pink noise.
Experts suggest reconsidering such sounds, especially for children, and recommend earplugs; they call for further research on effects.

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Story summary

A University of Pennsylvania study led by Dr. Mathias Basner finds pink noise reduces REM sleep by about 19 minutes and deep sleep by about 23 minutes.
The study involved 25 healthy adults over seven nights, exposing them to various noise types.
Participants reported lighter sleep and more awakenings with pink noise.
Experts suggest reconsidering such sounds, especially for children, and recommend earplugs; they call for further research on effects.