Neurologist warns against popular sleep aid that could fuel your risk of dementia in later life - 'I'd never use it'
In a recent video, Dr. Baibing Chen, who posts as Dr. Bing on TikTok, told his 144,500 followers that the machines have been linked to hearing loss, one of the known triggers for the devastating illness.
It has become a popular trend to listen to 'white noise'—which sounds similar to a television or radio static—to aid sleep, with devotees streaming the soothing background noise from special machines or phone apps.
Some sleep professionals and parenting influencers claim that the steady background noise helps the brain focus less on sudden, disruptive noises that could break concentration or wake them up.
But Dr. Bing wants people to think twice before they hunker down for their next static-soundtracked good night's sleep.
In a new clip, in which the Michigan-based neurologist shared three things he would never do at night, he said: '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 are probably trying to block out traffic, your partner's snoring, or your dog licking his paw at 2 am in the morning.
'But if it is (set) too loud, that can actually lead to hearing damage over time. And, as I have mentioned in my previous videos, hearing loss is one of the biggest risk factors for dementia later in life.'
While it's important to stress that there isn't direct evidence linking white noise machines to an increased risk of dementia later in life, there have been studies linking them to hearing loss.
However, if the idea of trying to nod off without any background noise is your idea of a living nightmare, don't fret—just turn it down.
Dr. Bing advised to make sure the noise is set to no louder than '50 decibels, max'.
He added that if you're unable to set the volume on the device itself, you can check the volume with an Apple watch or by using a free phone app like Decibel X which 'literally takes two seconds'.
According to the conclusion of a 2021 study which found that the machines are linked to hearing loss in infants, parents should ensure they are placed at least 30cm away from children, and the volume isn't set to the maximum.
In 2024, researchers who reviewed 20 studies found existing data supports the need for limiting maximum volume and duration on white noise devices.
And earlier this year, US scientists tracked almost 3,000 elderly adults with hearing loss and found almost a third of all dementia cases could be attributed to the issue.
It is difficult to make a direct link between these studies to suggest it backs up his claim, because they looked at different age groups.
However, several studies suggested a link between being exposed to noise pollution, which is unwanted or disturbing sounds, and dementia.
In Dr. Bing's video, which has been watched more than 15,300 times, the second thing the he revealed he would never do is leave a night light on.
He said: 'I know it feels cozy to some people and helps you get to the bathroom without stepping on a piece of Lego.
'But even a small artificial or blue light can lower melatonin, spike your blood sugar and keep your brain in a kind of awake mode all night.
'Instead try to use a motion sensing amber night light. It only turns on when you move and doesn't trick your brain into thinking its sunrise, while your just trying to use the bathroom in peace.'
The final thing he said he'd never do at night is getting out of bed too quickly, which he claimed can be linked to brain bleeds.
He said: 'One of the most common things I see in the hospital in the middle of the night is people coming into the ER with brain bleeds from fainting.'
These patients, he explained, get them 'after getting up from bed or up from the toilet too quickly'.
After posting the video, several social media users commented they simply can't go without the white noise or a nightlight.
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