The mysterious power of the sound of rain

Listening to the sound of the rain falling gently is somehow calming.
Many people may find that they can fall asleep faster than usual, especially on rainy nights.

Actually, it's not just a coincidence.
The sound of rain has scientifically proven healing and sleep-inducing effects.
This is because these sounds have a special rhythm that deeply affects our autonomic nervous system and deepens our state of relaxation.

In this article, we will explain in detail the question, "Why does the sound of rain help us sleep?" based on the mechanism of 1/f fluctuations.
Learn about the effect the sound of rain has on your autonomic nervous system and use it to help care for your autonomic nervous system on a daily basis.

The secret to healing is the mechanism of "1/f fluctuation"

What is 1/f fluctuation? A special rhythm that exists in nature

Do you know the term "1/f fluctuation"?
This is the secret source of why the sound of rain soothes us.

Simply put, "1/f fluctuation" is the exquisite rhythm found in natural sounds, where "unpredictable irregularity" and "overall regularity" coexist.

If you listen carefully to the sound of rain, you will notice that although the sound of rain seems uniform, it actually changes slightly, getting stronger or weaker depending on the size of the raindrops and how they are blown by the wind as they hit the ground.

This not-perfectly-regular, exquisitely rhythmic fluctuation is the characteristic of 1/f fluctuation.

[Illustrated] Comparing three rhythms: regularity, randomness, and 1/f fluctuation

Our bodies are made up of "1/f fluctuations"

The reason we find this rhythm soothing is because there are many parts of our own bodies that operate with "1/f fluctuations."

For example, the rhythms of our bodies that we don't normally notice, such as our heartbeat, breathing, and changes in body temperature, actually have this 1/f fluctuation. Humans are also living creatures that live in nature. When we come into contact with sounds that have the same rhythm as our own (such as the sound of rain or a babbling brook), we can become entrained (resonate) with them.

This synchronization puts the brain at ease, relaxing the mind and body, making it easier to balance the autonomic nervous system, which tends to become unbalanced.

The specific effects of the sound of rain

Regulates the autonomic nervous system and promotes high-quality sleep

The 1/f fluctuation contained in the sound of rain affects our autonomic nervous system, calming the sympathetic nervous system, which controls tension and excitement, and giving dominance to the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls rest.

This is an essential process for inducing a deep state of relaxation.

Listening to the sound of rain can have the following effects, especially when you have trouble falling asleep or wake up in the middle of the night and are concerned about the quality of your sleep.

1. Noise reduction through masking effect: The sound of rain has a masking effect that covers up environmental sounds and bothersome noises, preventing your brain from being stimulated by unnecessary sounds.
   
2. Promotes sleep through relaxation: The power of 1/f fluctuations gives dominance to the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting smooth sleep onset and supporting high-quality sleep.

It also helps reduce stress and improve concentration

The gentle sound of rain can soothe your mind and body and reduce stress.

Also, when you want to concentrate, you can use the sound of rain as background music to block out distracting sounds around you and easily create an environment that makes it easier to concentrate.

Della's sound autonomic nervous system care

At Della, we propose self-care that makes the most of the scientific power of the sound of rain.

Della's work, "Music for Weather Sickness with Maro," combines the sounds of natural rain, including 1/f fluctuations, recorded in-house in Japan's rich natural environment, with the warm and nostalgic tones of a music box.

It was created to support those who feel unwell due to changes in atmospheric pressure and weather (meteorological illness), and supports the time to balance the autonomic nervous system through the soothing effects of the scientifically proven sound of rain.

Recommended Image Locations 4: Product packaging images and Spotify embeds

[Headache-ru Collaboration] Listen here

Make the most of the power of the sound of rain and take some time to gently soothe your mind and body.

Related reading

• What is weather-related illness? Recommendations for caring for your autonomic nervous system with sound
• Interview article

summary

As we have introduced, the sound of rain and our bodies share a common rhythm of "1/f fluctuation," and the reason we feel the healing effect of the sound of rain is because we are in tune with this fluctuation.

When you have sleepless nights or feel stressed, try spending some time relaxing your mind and body with the sounds of nature, such as the sound of rain, as background music.