white noise, gray noise, background noise… or quiet?

What makes you feel most at home in your daily life?

Silence is all we dread

by Emily Dickinson

Silence is all we dread.
There’s Ransom in a Voice —
But Silence is Infinity.
Himself have not a face.

Overstimulation of Nervous Systems: The Comfort of Background Noise

It’s a fascinating phenomenon—how much we, especially in the United States, gravitate toward constant background noise. Whether it’s the hum of a fan, the murmur of a TV show left running, or even the white noise of an air purifier, many Americans find comfort in filling the silence. But why? And what does this say about our nervous systems?

Seeking Comfort in Noise

For many, background noise feels like a buffer, a companion in the room, or a way to avoid the discomfort of silence. It may create a sense of security, especially if someone grew up in a household where the TV was always on or where silence was associated with loneliness or boredom. White noise also has a physiological effect—it can mask jarring sounds, helping us feel more settled or focused.

A Culture of Overstimulation

Americans live in one of the most fast-paced, overstimulated cultures in the world. The constant demands of work, technology, and social connection mean that our nervous systems rarely get a break. Over time, this overstimulation becomes normalized, and silence might feel foreign or even unsettling. The hum of a fan or the chatter of a show can mimic the constant activity we’ve grown used to.

A Contrast to Silence-Embracing Cultures

In many other cultures, silence is a welcomed, even sacred, part of daily life. It’s seen as an opportunity to connect with oneself, nature, or the divine. Practices like meditation, tea ceremonies, or even communal meals in silence reflect a different relationship with quiet—a recognition that stillness is just as vital as action.

The Cost of Constant Noise

While background noise can feel soothing, it can also prevent our nervous systems from truly unwinding. Without moments of silence, we may not fully process our thoughts or emotions, and our bodies might remain in a low-level state of fight or flight. The constant noise keeps us externally focused, leaving little room for deep rest or self-reflection.

Inviting More Quiet

If this resonates with you, consider small experiments with silence:

Start your day without turning on the TV or music immediately.
Try a short meditation or mindful breathing practice.
Take walks without headphones to reconnect with the sounds of nature.

Silence is not a void to fear but a rich space to explore. While noise can be comforting, finding balance allows our nervous systems to reset and find harmony. In the stillness, we might rediscover a sense of presence and ease that no background noise could replicate.

Silence—vs—Background Noise