Should I play sounds while studying?

Playing sounds like white noise while studying can be beneficial for improving focus and boosting learning efficiency. Andrew Huberman suggests that white noise, when kept at a low intensity, can enhance learning by increasing alertness through dopaminergic activation, which is beneficial for retaining information 1 2.

However, if you prefer using music, the absence of lyrics, or listening to familiar instrumental music during study breaks can enhance motivation and cognitive function when returning to your tasks 3. Binaural beats, which involve different frequencies in each ear, also show promise in promoting focused learning by modulating brain activity 4 5.

In essence, while sounds can aid studying, it is crucial to choose the type and condition under which you use them to optimize cognitive performance 6.