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Why Do the Sounds of Nature Profit Health?

Last actualisation: May 31, 2023

For centuries and millennia, people have enjoyed the sounds of nature. However, these were largely overshadowed by the sounds of town. For this reason, many select to maneuver to fields, forests, beaches and nature parks to take heed to them.

And the very fact is that the singing of birds, the sound of wind, sea and rain, amongst others, have a soothing effect that’s reflected on a physical and mental level. In fact, some research support advantages they bring about human health. We will let you know more about it in the next article.

Health advantages of nature sounds

Man has at all times had contact with nature and its sounds. However, little was known about their health advantages. The truth is being within the natural environment has therapeutic effects which are valued greater than ever.

As everyone knows, living in an urban environment distances us from nature and exposes us not only to annoying noises, but additionally to a busy and stressful lifestyle. On the contrary, relaxing in green areas, near rivers, where you may appreciate nature, improves your mood and reduces the negative effects of stress.

A review of the studies described in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences supports these claims. According to this publication, Sounds corresponding to the whistling of the wind, singing birds, the sound of the stream haven’t only a relaxing effect, but additionally a therapeutic one.

What does the study say?

Cited study focuses on analyzing the health advantages of nature sounds. It was led by Rachel T. Burton, a Canadian biologist, who detailed the next:

“From an evolutionary perspective, humans are programmed to concentrate to signals of danger and safety. And the environment crammed with natural sounds gives a way of security and allows us to let our guard down.”

It has been established that exposure to those sounds can reduce morbidity and mortality. It was even related to reduced pain, improved mood, and higher performance on cognitive tests.

The hypothesis suggests that they affect the brain and autonomic nervous system, involved in regulating emotions and controlling sleep.

Other arrangements

Previous studies have produced similar results. In research shared by Scientific Reports, it was observed that folks who spent two hours per week outdoors in a natural environment (urban parks, forests, beaches) reported higher health and well-being.

Meta-analysis published by Public Health Lancet reported that folks living near or in green areas tended to have an extended life expectancy than those less exposed to those environments.

Learn more: 14 best quotes for nature lovers

Attitude to emotions

Sounds of nature not only improve physical health, but additionally contribute to emotional well-being. They they assist reduce irritation, anger and even sadness.

One of their biggest influences is stress. Listening to them helps to calm down and puts you in a state of rest. Therefore, outdoor activities are at all times really helpful to alleviate tension.

Noise pollution is harmful

People have largely concentrated in urban centers. With the event of society, we’ve got built a way of life centered on large cities and towns.

In this fashion, we progressively move away from nature. In addition, noise from transport, factories and even the population itself has taken over the environment. This is named ‘noise pollution’.

It affects behavior and well-being. It is related to many health problems, corresponding to hearing loss. However, it goes beyond that. It seems to extend the incidence heart problemssleep disorders, nervous system disorders, amongst others.

For this reason, it can be crucial to spend time within the natural environment as much as possible. It may even grow to be a every day habit if there are green environments near your house or work.

Examples of nature sounds

These sounds can come from a wide range of sources. First, there are people who come from biological sources, corresponding to birdsong. On the opposite hand, there are people who come from the geology itself. For example, rain, waves, whistling wind, river water, etc.

Learn more: Philosophy of nature and its importance for the trendy world

What to recollect?

The sounds of the natural environment have a positive effect on health. They have been observed to assist reduce stress, control emotions and improve overall mood. They may even reduce the incidence of disease and lower mortality.

For this reason, it is strongly recommended that everybody devote a while of their lives to outdoor activities. Learning to enjoy moments of solitude and call with nature can aid you achieve a healthier life.

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All cited sources have been thoroughly checked by our team to make sure their quality, reliability, timeliness and validity. The bibliography for this text has been deemed reliable and of educational or scientific accuracy.


  • Alvarsson, J.J., Wiens, S. and Nilsson, M.E. (2010). Stress recovery from exposure to nature sound and ambient noise. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 7(3), 1036–1046. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2872309/
  • Buxton, R.T., Pearson, A.L., Allou, C., Fristrup, K., and Wittemyer, G. (2021). Synthesis of health advantages of nature sounds and their distribution in national parks. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 118(14). https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2013097118
  • Jo, H., Song, C., Ikei, H., Enomoto, S., Kobayashi, H., and Miyazaki, Y. (2019). Physiological and psychological effects of forest and concrete sounds using high-resolution sound sources. An international journal dedicated to environmental research and public health, 16(15), 2649. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6695879/
  • Passchier-Vermeer, W. and Passchier, W. F. (2000). Noise exposure and public health. Environmental health prospects, 108 Appendix 1(Appendix 1), 123–131. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1637786/
  • Rojas-Rueda, D., Nieuwenhuijsen, M.J., Gascon, M., Perez-Leon, D., and Mudu, P. (2019). Green spaces and mortality: a scientific review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. The name of the scientific medical journal. Planet health, 3(11), e469–e477. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31777338/
  • White, M.P., Alcock, I., Grellier, J., Wheeler, B.W., Hartig, T., Warber, S.L., Bone, A., Depledge, M.H., and Fleming, L.E. (2019). Spending at the least 120 minutes per week in nature is related to good health and well-being. Scientific Reports, 9(1). https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-44097-3
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