Examining the Difference in Relaxation Effects of Music and White Noise

Both music therapy and, more recently, white noise have taken center stage in the quest for cost-effective, nonpharmocological treatments for poor sleep. Recent research has demonstrated that music and white noise are beneficial interventions for improving sleep quality in a variety of populations. However, there is no research that has examined whether one technique yields a more significant effect. The present study examined the difference in relaxation effects of music and white noise to determine if there is a significant difference. The results will reveal whether a difference exists and what the difference means. Implications and potential for future research are discussed.