
This stage of the sleep cycle is called Rapid Eye Movement (REM). As there are a few factors that contribute to the quality of sleep, one primary factor is how well your brain waves slow down after 90 minutes of falling asleep. Research shows that longer sleep doesn’t necessarily mean better sleep. It turns out that lullabies aren’t just for babies and children! A recent study found adults who listened to 45 minutes of music before going to sleep reported having a better night’s rest and sleep quality. When you listen to the same music repeatedly, you aren’t likely to experience the same effects as when you discover new music, according to research. Particularly, listening to new music, rather than the same old playlist, results in the largest production of dopamine and happiness. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that promotes feelings of happiness and excitement. Listening to your favorite music can also trigger hormones in your body that translate to an instant good mood.Īccording to researchers, listening to music triggers the release of dopamine in your brain. Similar to meditation and even hypnotism, slow rhythmic music alters brain activity in a way that induces a trance-like state similar to that of meditation, which encourages relaxation.Īs a result, music’s ability to alter brainwave speed can also help ease symptoms of migraines, PMS, depression and certain behavioral issues including attention deficit disorder. Music Has Therapeutic Effects on Your BrainĪccording to researchers, listening to music can alter brainwave speed, producing brain activity that has a therapeutic effect on the mind and body. Since sleeping is another natural stress-reducer, the cycle of listening to music to reduce stress will also result in lower stress levels experienced as a result of better sleep habits. Listening to music before going to bed has been shown to improve sleeping patterns and can be used to treat insomnia.

In one study, researchers found that patients who listened to music while undergoing surgery had lower levels of cortisol when compared to patients who didn’t listen to music during the procedure.Īs a result of stress and anxiety reduction, music can also contribute to better sleep habits. Studies have found that listening to music can lower your body’s levels of cortisol, a hormone that can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety.įor example, in high-stress situations such as surgery, music has been proven to keep patients’ stress levels under control. Read on to find out the science behind the relaxing effects of music.

So, it’s not just in your head – the tunes you listen to greatly impact your mood. These feel-good effects also produce a number of positive long-term benefits for your body, such as lower stress and anxiety levels, better sleep patterns, and improved overall health and well-being. From reducing stress hormones to stimulating feelings of happiness, music can almost instantly translate to a good mood. Music can trigger a variety of chemical reactions in your brain that contribute to relaxation. Have you ever wondered why you feel so great when listening to your favorite track or tuning into your favorite radio station?
