The sound of running water induces a soothing psychological and physiological effect
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 82/100
Evidence from multiple soundscape and virtual reality studies indicates that natural acoustic elements, including the sound of running water, promote psychological restoration and positive physiological responses.
Evidence for · 3
Relationship between soundscape perception and psychophysiological responses to virtual environmental events
2024 · cited by 10
Demonstrates that virtual environments featuring stream and waterfall sounds facilitate psychophysiological restoration and positive changes in heart rate variability.
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More for · 2
Forest soundscapes improve mood, restoration and cognition, but not physiological stress or immunity, relative to industrial soundscapes
2025 · cited by 8
Shows that forest soundscapes including running water significantly improve biomarkers of mood, restoration, and cognition relative to industrial soundscapes.
A Study of Soundscape Restoration in Office-Type Pocket Parks
2024 · cited by 7
Highlights that water sounds such as small fountain sounds act as coordinated and restorative acoustic elements in urban environments.