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Therapist Explains Disturbing Reason Some People Can’t Sleep Without Background Noise
A therapist has explained the disturbing reason why some people can’t sleep without background noise.
Sleep is a daily necessity, yet achieving quality rest can be elusive for many. While some people wake up feeling refreshed, others struggle despite following what they believe are the right habits.
Feeling exhausted despite trying to sleep well can stem from a variety of factors.
However, for some, the issue is tied to the need for background noise during sleep – a habit that might have deeper psychological roots.
Common background noise sources include a softly playing TV, the hum of a fan, soothing music, or even white noise.
For those who rely on these sounds nightly, it’s more than just a preference; there may be underlying psychological reasons at play.
A TikTok user, known as DCLAnxiety, shared insight from their therapist, who explained the connection between background noise and mental health:
“Not being able to fall asleep without background noise is extremely common with many mental health issues.
“It’s a trauma response to abandonment issues. The noise tricks your brain into thinking you aren’t falling asleep alone.”
This perspective resonated with many, as one commenter noted: “Yes, I feel alone even though my husband sleeps next to me.”
Juulia Karlstedt, a counselor specializing in anxiety and perfectionism, shared similar insights with HuffPost.
She explained, “Effectively, we fill our attentional capacity to the max with other stimuli in an attempt to have no resources left for the things we are trying to avoid. The minute the distraction stops, the unpleasant emotions and thoughts normally spring up again in full force.”
For some, this coping mechanism might not necessarily stem from abandonment issues but could still serve as a way to avoid confronting unresolved emotions.
Karlstedt cautioned that relying on background noise for this purpose could reinforce anxiety rather than alleviate it.
Not everyone agrees with this explanation, though.
One individual shared their opposite experience: “As someone with abandonment issues, I hate noises while I sleep because when I was abandoned, I got scared and developed paranoia. Now every little noise haunts me.”
Others offered alternative reasons for using background noise. One commenter said: “I enjoy listening to background noise to fall asleep, reading, or gaming. I don’t have abandonment issues; I just like it.”
Another noted their large family background, saying, “I grew up with six siblings, so total silence feels abnormal to me.”
@dlcwellness My therapist told me: Not being able to fall asleep without background noise, is extremely common with many mental health issues and is a trauma response to abandonment issues, the noise tricks your brain into thinking you aren’t falling asleep alone! If you can relate to this, maybe this account can help. anxiety #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #anxious #therapy #therapist ♬ original sound – DLCwellness
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