Using Music Therapy for Better Sleep
Sleep is incredibly important for the health of our minds and bodies, yet far too many of us struggle to achieve the deep and restful sleep that we need to stay well. Music therapy can be a wonderful option for those who are looking for a natural method to improve their sleep. It has long been thought of as a useful solution for relaxation, and now recent scientific research has confirmed this long-held belief.
Music therapy can be used in a variety of ways, and it has been suggested that it can be especially helpful with insomnia. Studies have found that those who listened to certain types of music an hour before bed reported better sleep quality and duration than those who did not. Music therapists also suggest that music can be used to create a calming atmosphere in the bedroom that is conducive to sleep.
However, not all music is equal when it comes to improving sleep, so it’s important to choose the right type of music. Generally, it’s best to look for slower, calming melodies in calming genre such as classical, folk, new age or jazz. Slow and gentle rhythms with pitch changes and melodic repetition are thought to be particularly beneficial.
How To Use Music Therapy For Better Sleep
The idea behind using music therapy to improve sleep is to create a calming atmosphere in the bedroom that is conducive to restful sleep. To do this, create a playlist that includes calming music with slow, gentle rhythms. Avoid anything too intense or upbeat, as this can be stimulating and counteractive for sleep. Music can be used during both pre-bed rituals and can be played throughout the night.
Some experts suggest that playing music before bed can help set up positive associations in the mind between music and sleep, similar to the way that a baby associates a lullaby with sleep. To this end, it’s a good idea to be consistent with your nighttime music routine and stick to playing the same tunes each night. This will help condition the mind and body to relax into sleep.
Benefits Of Music Therapy For Better Sleep
Music therapy for sleep has been found to provide a wide range of benefits, including:
- Reduced Stress: Listening to calming music can help to reduce stress levels by triggering the release of feel-good hormones.
- Improved Sleep Quality: Studies have found that those who listen to music for an hour before bed reported better quality sleep than those who don’t.
- Reduced Anxiety: Music can have a positive effect on your emotional state, which can help to reduce feelings of anxiety.
Conclusion
Music therapy is a powerful and natural way to improve sleep. By listening to calming music before bed, you can help create a soothing atmosphere in the bedroom and trigger the release of feel-good hormones that can help induce restful sleep. With the added bonus of having a better night’s sleep, music therapy for sleep can be a win-win.