Many people across the world struggle to get to sleep and have subsequently looked for external solutions to help them out, but one doctor has warned against one of the more popular options, alleging that it can cause serious neurological issues later in life.
Whether it's noisy traffic outside, a snoring partner, or just a general struggle with silence, there are a number of reasons why you might find it difficult to drift away into a dream when bedtime rolls around.
Sleeping pills are often too extreme of an option, and you might find tools like earplugs or eye masks uncomfortable, so many have opted for a unique solution that fills the gap.
However, relying on it too much can lead to health complications down the line, and one doctor urges you to be careful.
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What has the doctor warned against?
As reported by the Express, Dr Baibing Chen, otherwise known as Dr Bing on his popular TikTok account, has shared that relying too heavily on white noise machines could heavily increase your risk of developing dementia and other cognitive issues later in life.
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Detailing three things he doesn't do at night as a neurologist, Dr Bing explained:
"I don't blast my white noise machine. Not all of you use white noise machines, but if you do, I get it. I use one. You're probably trying to block out traffic, your partner's snoring or your dog licking his paw at 2am.
"But if it's too loud, this can actually lead to hearing damage over time. And, as I have mentioned in previous videos, hearing loss is one of the biggest risk factors for dementia later in life."
There is no specific link between noise-based sleep aids and cognitive issues, but studies have shown that noise pollution - which can include white noise - can lead to dementia down the line.
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Dr Bing specifically recommends that you do not go above a 50dB threshold for your white noise machine, and that you try and keep it as far away as possible from your bed in order to minimize any damage that you might encounter.
He isn't necessarily saying that you can't use white noise machines at all - especially because a lack of sleep can lead to even more significant health problems - but just that you remain considerate of your hearing when turning it on.
"I use white noise sometimes, but because [of] hearing the electricity and the ringing in my ears (not noise damage, I have visual snow syndrome)," one comment explains underneath the TikTok, adding that the "don't know how someone could play it loud though."
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Another added that "my son and I both have to have white noise to turn our brains off to be able to sleep. I'm so glad you posted this because my biggest fear is dementia, and we blast ours."