Jakarta, ThedailyID — Some people wake up at the slightest noise, while others struggle to fall asleep without music, a podcast, or background sounds. Sleep experts say this habit may reflect certain personality traits rather than simply a preference for noise.
According to the Sleep Foundation, sounds such as white noise, fan or air conditioner hum, calming music, and natural sounds like rain, ocean waves, or wind can promote better sleep by masking disruptive noises.
However, some people rely on louder audio, including podcasts, movies, or television shows, to help them fall asleep.
Experts say the habit is not necessarily unhealthy. Instead, it may be linked to several personality characteristics and underlying psychological factors.
1. They may experience higher levels of anxiety
People with anxious thoughts often find silence uncomfortable because it allows worries to dominate their minds. Background sounds can provide a sense of calm and distract them from racing thoughts.
“For people struggling with anxiety, silence can make their minds race, so having background noise can be soothing,” said Shelby Harris, director of sleep health at Sleepopolis, as quoted by HuffPost.
2. They may have ADHD traits
People with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often find that consistent background noise helps them relax and maintain focus.
Common signs of ADHD in adults include procrastination, impulsive spending, and periods of intense hyperfocus.
3. They tend to notice small details
People who sleep better with background noise are often highly attentive to subtle details that others overlook.
As a result, complete silence may amplify every minor sound, making it difficult to relax. Continuous background audio helps mask those distractions.
4. Silence makes them feel uneasy
For some people, a completely quiet environment creates a sense of alertness rather than relaxation.
Research cited by Cottonwood Psychology suggests that people who are highly sensitive to noise often report more sleep difficulties and greater emotional distress.
5. They are sensitive to other sensory stimuli
People who dislike sleeping in silence may also be more sensitive to bright lights, strong smells, or certain textures.
Experts say highly sensitive nervous systems process more sensory information at once, making it harder to ignore environmental stimuli.
6. They easily sense other people’s emotions
People with this personality pattern may also be more emotionally perceptive. They often notice changes in someone’s mood even when the person appears cheerful on the surface.
Experts emphasize that needing background sounds to sleep does not automatically indicate a mental health condition. However, if sleep problems become persistent or interfere with daily life, consulting a healthcare professional may be beneficial.
