Effect of Binaural Beats Combined with Continuous Rhythmic Noise on Sleep Quality

Abstract

Getting enough sleep is linked to several important aspects of human existence, such as preserving health and achieving better results at work. Sleep disturbance can result in several physiological and psychological problems. There are many factors affecting sleep quality including sleep habits, exercise, stress and anxiety, sleep disorders, light intensity, temperature and environmental noise. The primary goal of the study was to determine if continuous rhythmic white noise in combination with 3Hz binaural beats might be used as a non-pharmacological therapy for improved sleep quality, sleep fragmentation, latency, and relevant sleep parameters. The impact of continuous rhythmic white noise on sleep parameters was assessed using both hardware and questionnaire methods. Data from thirty subjects (16 females, mean age, 24.9±1.08 years), was collected using a variety of questionnaires, including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, reduced Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire, Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile, St. Mary Hospital Sleep Questionnaire, and a wearable sleep tracking device, Fitbit Charge 4. The questionnaire-based data was evaluated using chi mean square and the hardware-based data was analyzed using ANOVA and post hoc analysis where applicable. The results show that continuous rhythmic white noise combined with binaural beats has a significant impact on sleep quality, sleep score, total sleep duration, deep sleep duration and REM duration (p-value<0.05). The continuous rhythmic white noise in combination with binaural beats can be used to enhance specific aspects of sleep, particularly REM sleep, which is critical for cognitive and emotional well-being. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the potential of continuous rhythmic white noise in combination with 3 Hz binaural beats for improving the sleep quality of the individuals in noisy settings.