River sounds
A spring stream flowing over stones, recorded close up. Constant, bubbling water.
Timer
A 2-minute recording played in random overlapping segments, the way the app plays it, so you won't hear a loop. Start with your volume low. Keep this tab open.
About this sound
A small stream in spring, running over stones through open fields, recorded close to the water. You hear a constant, bubbling flow with small splashes.
We filtered out the rumble below 50 Hz and set the level to match the other sounds. The app uses 5 minutes of the recording, played as random stretches of about half a minute joined with 4-second crossfades and a gentle drift in volume. The player on this page uses a 2-minute excerpt the same way.
How people use it
Running water is broadband like rain, but with more texture in the midrange, so it covers voices well. It is a common choice for focus as well as for sleep.
If the bubbling feels too close, turn the Tone control down for a softer, more distant stream. Forest birds over the river make a calm morning; crickets over it make a summer night.
Questions
Is a river better than rain for sleep?
Neither has been shown to be better. Both are steady water sounds; the river is a little more textured, rain a little more even. Pick the one you like.
Is this recorded or generated?
Recorded: a real stream in spring, filtered and level-matched, nothing synthesized.
Can I use river sounds for focus?
Many people do. Running water covers voices in an office or a cafe well; keep it at a level where you stop noticing it.
Mix it with
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Get river on your phone
Nightwool is coming to iPhone and Android. One e-mail when it launches, then we delete the list.