Rain sounds for sleep
Rain is one of the most popular sleep sounds because it is steady, broadband and natural, so it masks traffic and household noise without drawing attention. Press Play to start an endless tropical rain in 3D, then set a sleep timer if you want it to fade.
What you will hear
The rain is built in layers: a soft broadband wash (roughly 0.5 to 9 kHz), about 70 individual drops a second placed around and above you, a low canopy drum under 900 Hz and gusts that make the shower swell and ease. Every minute or two, thunder rolls in from a different direction far away.
Why rain sounds help people sleep
Rain covers a wide range of frequencies at a fairly even level, which makes it good at hiding sudden sounds like a door, a car or a neighbour. It is also predictable, so the brain quickly stops paying attention to it. Many people simply associate rain with being warm and indoors.
Good rain mixes
- Rainforest: rain plus forest birdsong, for winding down.
- Monsoon: heavy rain with ocean waves, for maximum masking.
- Prefer something gentler? Try light rain sounds. Want it heavier? Try thunderstorm sounds.
If you use it for a baby, keep the volume low and the speaker well away from the cot. A 2014 study in Pediatrics found some infant sleep machines could exceed safe noise levels at full volume when placed close by (Hugh et al., 2014).
Listen for a full hour on YouTube
Prefer a video? Tropical Rain Sounds for Sleep | 3D Audio 1 Hour Deep Sleep & Relaxation on the Soothing Sleep channel.