As the rainy season begins, people can be divided into three groups

1. The "Disgruntled" group – those who dislike rain because it often means facing traffic congestion and the humidity in the air. Some may even feel a bit gloomy when confronted with a gray sky or anxious when the loud winds blow.
2. The "Pluviophiles" – those who fall in love with the rain. They enjoy watching the rain fall and do not mind getting drenched, as it feels like it washes away their discomforts and worries.
3. The "In-Betweeners" – those who are unsure where they stand. They don't like the eerie, ominous atmosphere before the rain and dislike the thunder. Yet, they find comfort in listening to the sound of rain, as it calms their initial anxieties and restores peace.

By now, many might relate to the third group—though not particularly fond of the rain, they find the sound of it, especially at night, helps them sleep more soundly.

Behind the falling rain, the "sound of rain" is classified as a type of noise—specifically, a background noise ranging from soft sounds like raindrops or wind to louder ones, such as the roar of an airplane or a machine in operation. Scientists categorize noise based on its spectrum or "color," with three main types: white noise, pink noise, and brown noise.

The sound of rain falls under "pink noise." This category often includes natural sounds, like raindrops, wind rustling through trees, or ocean waves. If you listen closely, you'll notice that these sounds aren't entirely consistent. High-frequency sounds are softened, while low-frequency sounds are amplified, resulting in a more balanced and soothing auditory experience.

In ancient times, when humans had to survive in nature, the sound of rain, though irregular, provided a predictable consistency. This predictability helped reduce stress by easing the brain's workload and calming the sympathetic nervous system—the part that activates in emergency situations. When we feel safe, there's no need for the brain to stay alert, leading to a sense of calm and relaxation, which can make us feel drowsy.

Research from Northwestern University has shown that pink noise helps simplify brainwave patterns, leading to deeper, longer sleep and improving the brain's ability to process information while sleeping. Older adults, in particular, benefit from improved sleep quality and cognitive performance during rest.

In addition to making us sleepy, some people find that the sound of rain helps them focus better on their tasks. Since pink noise falls in the range of background noise that isn’t too loud, it has been shown in studies to enhance focus and speed up our cognitive processing. A 2020 study from Taiwan found that various colored noises, especially pink and red, can improve performance and decision-making compared to working in complete silence.

Although the rainy season may not be everyone's favorite, a quick glance at music streaming platforms reveals that songs or clips featuring rain sounds often have a lot of views. While we can’t escape the fact that rain can make life a bit harder, it also provides a moment of calm for our minds. Next time it rains, try to find a comfortable space (or embrace the rain if you wish) and listen to the sound of raindrops hitting the roof. Let the rain’s rhythm ease the complexity of your brainwaves and bring you peace, much like the saying, "The sky is always more beautiful after the rain.