Playing brown noise can be a game-changer for those seeking better sleep, increased focus, or a calming environment. Brown noise is similar to white noise but with deeper, richer frequencies that many find more soothing. If you have an Alexa-enabled device, you’re in luck—you can easily set it up to play brown noise throughout the night. Here’s how to do it.
What Is Brown Noise?
Before we dive into the steps, let’s briefly understand what brown noise is:
- White Noise: Contains all audible frequencies at equal intensity, masking other sounds.
- Pink Noise: Emphasizes lower frequencies slightly more than higher ones.
- Brown Noise: Has even more emphasis on lower frequencies, producing a deeper sound that’s often described as a gentle roar.
Brown noise can help:
- Improve Sleep: By masking disruptive noises.
- Enhance Focus: Providing a consistent auditory backdrop.
- Reduce Stress: Creating a calming atmosphere.
Methods to Play Brown Noise on Alexa All Night
There are several ways to get Alexa to play brown noise continuously. Below are step-by-step instructions for each method.
Method 1: Using Alexa’s Built-in Sounds
Alexa has built-in capabilities to play ambient sounds, including brown noise.
Steps:
- Activate Alexa: Say, “Alexa.”
- Request Brown Noise: Say, “Play brown noise.”
- Enable Looping: After the sound starts, say, “Alexa, loop mode on.”
This will cause the brown noise to play on repeat until you tell Alexa to stop.
Method 2: Using the “Brown Noise” Skill
There are several Skills available that specialize in playing ambient sounds.
Steps:
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Enable the Skill:
- Say, “Alexa, enable Brown Noise.”
- Alternatively, enable it through the Alexa app:
- Open the Alexa app on your smartphone.
- Tap on More (three horizontal lines) in the bottom-right corner.
- Select Skills & Games.
- Tap the search icon and type “Brown Noise.”
- Choose a Skill (e.g., “Brown Noise” by Sleep Jar) and tap “Enable to Use.”
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Start Playing:
- Say, “Alexa, open Brown Noise.” or “Alexa, ask Brown Noise to play.”
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Set to Loop:
- Most ambient sound Skills automatically loop indefinitely.
- If it stops, you can say, “Alexa, loop mode on.”
Method 3: Using a Music Streaming Service
If you have a streaming service linked to your Alexa (e.g., Amazon Music, Spotify), you can play brown noise tracks or playlists.
Steps:
- Activate Alexa: Say, “Alexa.”
-
Request Brown Noise:
- Say, “Play brown noise on [Streaming Service].”
- Example: “Play brown noise on Spotify.”
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Enable Looping:
- Looping may not be available due to streaming policies.
- As a workaround, create a playlist with a brown noise track repeated multiple times and ask Alexa to play that playlist.
Method 4: Setting Up a Routine in the Alexa App
Creating a routine allows you to automate playing brown noise at specific times.
Steps:
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Open the Alexa App:
- Launch the Alexa app on your smartphone.
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Go to Routines:
- Tap “More” in the bottom-right corner.
- Select “Routines.”
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Create a New Routine:
- Tap the “+” icon to add a new routine.
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Name Your Routine:
- Tap “Enter routine name” and type “Play Brown Noise at Bedtime.”
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Set the Trigger:
- Tap “When this happens.”
- Choose “Schedule.”
- Set the time you want the brown noise to start (e.g., 10:00 PM).
- Select the days you want this routine to repeat.
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Add an Action:
- Tap “Add action.”
- Select “Music & Podcasts.”
- In the “Play” field, type “brown noise.”
- Choose your preferred streaming service or leave it as default.
- Set the duration (e.g., 8 hours).
- Tap “Next.”
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Select the Device:
- Under “From,” choose the Alexa device you want to play the sound.
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Save the Routine:
- Review the settings and tap “Save.”
Method 5: Using Third-Party Ambient Sound Skills
Skills like “Sleep Sounds” or “Ambient Noise” offer high-quality brown noise options.
Steps:
-
Enable the Skill:
- Say, “Alexa, enable Sleep Sounds.”
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Start the Sound:
- Say, “Alexa, ask Sleep Sounds to play brown noise.”
-
Adjust Looping and Volume:
- These Skills usually loop automatically.
- Set the volume by saying, “Alexa, set volume to [level 1-10].”
Additional Tips
- Set a Sleep Timer: If you don’t want the noise to play all night, say, “Alexa, set a sleep timer for [duration].”
- Use Do Not Disturb Mode: Prevent interruptions by saying, “Alexa, turn on Do Not Disturb.”
- Adjust Volume Before Sleeping: Ensure the volume is at a comfortable level to avoid disturbances.
Troubleshooting
- Alexa Stops Playing: If the sound stops after an hour, make sure you’ve enabled looping by saying, “Alexa, loop mode on.”
- Skill Not Working: Check that the Skill is enabled in your Alexa app and that your device is connected to the internet.
- Looping Not Supported: Some streaming services don’t support looping due to licensing. Using Skills designed for ambient sounds is a better option in this case.
Benefits of Using Brown Noise
- Enhanced Sleep Quality: Masks environmental noises that can disrupt sleep.
- Improved Focus: Helpful for studying or working by reducing auditory distractions.
- Stress Reduction: Creates a calming atmosphere conducive to relaxation.
Consistent ambient sounds like brown noise can help the brain relax and make it easier to drift into and maintain deep sleep.
– Dr. Shelby Harris, Sleep Psychologist
Conclusion
Playing brown noise on your Alexa device all night is a straightforward process that can significantly improve your sleep and relaxation. Whether you use built-in commands, enable specialized Skills, or set up routines, Alexa offers flexible options to meet your needs. Give it a try tonight and experience the soothing effects of brown noise.