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A neurologist has shared that he personally avoids using a white noise machine to aid his sleep, as he believes it could potentially raise the chances of developing dementia.
In a recent video Dr. Baibing Chen, also known online as Dr. Bing, regularly shares content under this username. TikTok shared with his 144,500 followers that these devices have been associated with hearing loss, which is among the recognized factors contributing to this serious condition.
A growing number of people are turning to 'white noise', which resembles the sound of TV or radio static, as a tool for improving sleep. Fans of this method often play the calming ambient noise through dedicated devices or mobile applications.
Certain sleep experts and parenting figures suggest that consistent ambient sound enables the brain to pay less attention to abrupt, disturbing noises that might interrupt focus or cause waking.
However, Dr. Bing encourages individuals to reconsider before settling in for another night of sleep accompanied by unchanging background sounds.
In a recent video, the Michigan-based neurologist revealed three things he avoids doing at night, stating: "I don’t turn up my white noise machine loudly."
Not everyone here uses white noise machines, but if you're one of those who does, trust me—I totally understand because I use one too. Chances are, you’re just trying to drown out sounds like passing cars outside, your partner’s snores, or maybe even your dog obsessively licking his paw right around 2 AM in the morning.
But if it’s set at a volume that’s too high, prolonged exposure could potentially cause harm to your hearing. And, as I’ve discussed in earlier videos, experiencing hearing loss significantly increases the chances of developing dementia in older age.
It’s worth noting that although there is no direct evidence connecting white noise machines to a higher risk of developing dementia in later years, some research has associated their use with potential hearing damage.
But if the thought of falling asleep without any ambient sound feels like a real-life horror show to you, relax—it’s okay to lower the volume instead.
Dr. Bing recommended ensuring that the volume does not exceed "50 decibels at most."
He also mentioned that if adjusting the volume directly on the device isn’t possible, you can use an Apple Watch or a free mobile application such as Decibel X to measure it—something he noted "takes literally just two seconds."
Based on the findings of a 2021 study Studies have shown that these devices may contribute to infant hearing damage, so caregivers must keep them at least 30 centimetres apart from babies and avoid turning the sound all the way up.
In 2024, researchers who reviewed 20 studies found existing data Supports the importance of setting limits on both volume levels and usage time for white noise machines.
And earlier this year, US scientists Monitored nearly 3,000 older adults experiencing hearing impairment and discovered that approximately one-third of all dementia instances were linked to this condition.
Establishing a clear connection between these studies to support his assertion is challenging due to their focus on varying age demographics.
Nevertheless, various research studies have indicated an association between exposure to noise pollution—defined as unpleasant or disruptive noises—and the risk of developing dementia.
In Dr. Bing's video, viewed over 15,300 times, the second habit he disclosed was his refusal to keep a nightlight turned on at night.
He remarked, "I understand that for some individuals, it creates a sense of warmth and allows you to reach the restroom without encountering a sharp little plastic block along the way."
However, even minimal exposure to artificial or blue light can reduce melatonin levels, cause spikes in blood sugar, and keep your brain active throughout the night.
Consider using a motion-activated amber nightlight instead. It activates only when movement is detected and won’t confuse your brain into believing it’s morning, which helps avoid disrupting your sleep cycle—especially useful for those midnight trips to the restroom.
The last thing he mentioned he would never do at night is getting up from bed too fast, as he believed this could potentially lead to brain bleeding.
He mentioned, "A frequent occurrence I witness at the hospital late at night is individuals arriving at the emergency room with brain bleeding caused by fainting episodes."
He explained that these patients experience them "after standing up too quickly from bed or rising rapidly from the toilet."
Following the upload of the video, numerous social media users shared comments saying they genuinely cannot do without white noise or a nightlight.
A user shared: "I rely on white noise to fall asleep because of my tinnitus," whereas another remarked: "It absolutely has to not be completely dark for me."
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