How does sound “stop” when you’re about to fall asleep? I’ve been sleeping with a fan on due to the heat and I noticed as I fall asleep, it sort of “cuts off” and not fades to silence. What stops it?

Question

Title really. If it just me that experiences this then I’ll be amazed

In: 182

Answer 1

The simplest answer is that your brain filters it out. There are many sounds you don’t “hear” throughout the day until it’s pointed out. It’s a way of protecting you from sensory overload. It’s also how you don’t see your nose all day even though it’s constantly in your peripheral vision. Your brain filters it out.

If you’re autistic like me though the brain doesn’t filter it out and you’re constantly aware of everything all the time which leads to sensory overload and burnout.