

It seems like the older we get, the harder it is to fall asleep and wake up feeling refreshed.
Most people have found support in drifting off through background soundscapes that provide the perfect soundtrack to their slumber. With silence being a playground for our minds to wander into the endlessness of the night, pressing play to the sound of rain, a quiet storm, or the soothing static of white noise can be just enough noise to settle us into a deep, calming sleep.
Incorporating calming sounds like raindrops, high frequency, or gentle melodies into your sleep routine can guide you into a state of relaxation that can give scrolling on your phone a run for its money. By listening to these sounds before sleep, you can unwind from the stresses of the day and create a peaceful environment that’ll prep your mind and body for the best night’s rest.
How to Find the Right Sleep Sounds for You
But with so many sounds out there to choose from, which one is right for you? Each sound serves a different purpose but will land you into the slumber of your dreams, so to help you get there, we’ve put together a list of the best sleep sounds to lull you to sleep.
White Noise:
White noise is a soundscape you might be most familiar with. The sound contains all frequencies within the range of human hearing in equal amounts. It is often described as a "humming" sound that has a consistent and uniform quality — creating a steady and continuous sound that effectively masks other sounds in the environment. It’s pretty similar to what babies hear in the womb, which adds to its soothing and relaxing sound frequency.
Pink Noise:
Pink noise similarities to white noise, however, white noise has equal energy across all frequencies within the range of human hearing, while pink noise has equal energy per octave. Meaning it comes across with more “deep" or "full" sound that listeners may find soothing. Perfect for reaching deeper levels of sleep and memory consolidation.
Water Sounds:
When it comes to relaxation, what’s more soothing than the sounds of water? The beauty in listening to water sounds to fall asleep is that you have so many types of environments and bodies of water to choose from. Maybe you enjoy the sounds of ocean waves beating against the shore or streams of water slowing down a river bank. These soothing sounds mimic the gentle and rhythmic sounds of your favorite outside environments for a calming and peaceful auditory experience, perfect for reaching your desired depth of rest.
Brown Noise:
With brown noise, you may find it to be helpful if you find yourself wound up right before bed. This type of sound has a greater intensity of lower frequencies compared to higher frequencies, resulting in a rumbling or thunder-like sound. These lower frequencies in brown noise tend to dominate, creating a deep and resonant sound that some people find comforting and relaxing. And is great for sound masking, relaxation, and improved focus.
Green Noise:
While this type of sound may be unfamiliar to you, it just might become your new go-to for sleep. Green noise is an alternative to white noise that focuses its intensity within a frequency range of approximately 500 Hz while maintaining equal energy per octave. This creates a “humming” sound that’s gentler on the ears, similar to the sound of riding on an airplane; promoting relaxation and a state of calm.
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Adrian Marcel On Purpose, Sacrifice, And The 'Signs Of Life'
In this week's episode of xoMAN, host Kiara Walker talked with R&B artist Adrian Marcel, who opened up, full of heart and authenticity, about his personal evolution. He discussed his days transitioning from a young Bay Area singer on the come-up to becoming a grounded husband and father of four.
With honesty and introspection, Marcel reflected on how life, love, and loss have shaped the man he is today.
On ‘Life’s Subtle Signals’
Much of the conversation centered around purpose, sacrifice, and listening to life’s subtle signals. “I think that you really have to pay attention to the signs of life,” Marcel said. “Because as much as we need to make money, we are not necessarily on this Earth for that sole purpose, you know what I mean?” While he acknowledged his ambitions, adding, “that is not me saying at all I’m not trying to ball out,” he emphasized that fulfillment goes deeper.
“We are here to be happy. We are here [to] fulfill a purpose that we are put on here for.”
On Passion vs. Survival
Adrian spoke candidly about the tension between passion and survival, describing how hardship can sometimes point us away from misaligned paths. “If you find it’s constantly hurting you… that’s telling you something. That’s telling you that you’re going outside of your purpose.”
Marcel’s path hasn’t been without detours. A promising athlete in his youth, he recalled, “Early on in my career, I was still doing sports… I was good… I had a scholarship.” An injury changed everything. “My femur broke. Hence why I always say, you know, I’m gonna keep you hip like a femur.” After the injury, he pivoted to explore other careers, including teaching and corporate jobs.
“It just did not get me—even with any success that happened in anything—those times, back then, I was so unhappy. And you know, to a different degree. Like not just like, ‘I really want to be a singer so that’s why I’m unhappy.’ Nah, it was like, it was not fulfilling me in any form or fashion.”
On Connection Between Pursuing Music & Fatherhood
He recalled performing old-school songs at age 12 to impress girls, then his father challenged him: “You can lie to these girls all you want, but you're really just lying to yourself. You ain't growing.” That push led him to the piano—and eventually, to his truth. “Music is my love,” Marcel affirmed. “I wouldn’t be a happy husband if I was here trying to do anything else just to appease her [his wife].”
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by xoNecole/YouTube
Ashley Versher is known for her work in the Tyler Perry's Beauty In Black series and more recently, she starred alongside Taraji P. Henson in the Netflix film Straw. But she is more than just her acting credits and stunning looks (her hair alone is everything). In an xoNecole exclusive, Ashley dishes on her first celebrity crush, how she spends her downtime, and her go-to haircare products because we need the deets.
Get to know Ashley below.
xoNecole: Where are you from?
Ashley Versher: San Francisco - BAY AREAAAAAA!!!!
xoN: What was your first major acting role?
AV: A 49ers Super Bowl commercial - I think I was 3.
Ashley Versher
Johnny Marlow
xoN: Have you ever had an embarrassing or funny audition story? If so, what happened?
AV: Yes! I was doing a self-tape once and I forgot to take off my bonnet. But the tape was so good I sent it in anyway.
xoN: Your hair is gorgeous. What has it been like navigating Hollywood with natural hair?
AV: Thank you so much! Navigating Hollywood with natural hair has definitely been a journey of self-discovery. Early on, I had to make a conscious decision about how I wanted to show up—not just in this industry, but for myself. Once I fully embraced my natural hair and committed to the journey, everything else began to align. It’s been nothing short of empowering.
Navigating Hollywood with natural hair has definitely been a journey of self-discovery. Early on, I had to make a conscious decision about how I wanted to show up—not just in this industry, but for myself.
xoN: What are your favorite go-to hair products?
AV: Ooooooo, right now I’m loving Camille Rose’s Jai Twisting Butter—it’s super moisturizing and gives me a fun, bouncy twist-out! I’ve also recently gotten into oils, and I’m especially loving sweet almond oil.
xoN: We know you as an actress, but what is another special talent you have that most people don't know about?
AV: I trained as a classical violinist for 13/14years.
xoN: Who is your hero?
AV: My mom. She’s incredible - full stop.
Ashley Versher
Johnny Marlow
xoN: How do you like to spend your down time?
AV: Ha! What’s that!? Jk jk, I love to travel, that’s honestly my favorite thing.
xoN: Who was your first celebrity crush?
AV: Prince.
xoN: What is your dream role?
AV: One day I will play a witch with Harry Potter-like powers!
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Feature image by Johnny Marlow