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Why Music Helps You Sleep

Some people have trouble sleeping at night. Listening to music may help them sleep, but what kind of music helps them fall asleep? Bright and upbeat, calm and soothing, or sad and melancholy?

Why does music help us sleep?

Music has the power to change your mood, relax your muscles, slow your heart rate & breathing, and much more. Depending on the type of music, your body reacts differently. For example, listening to soothing music can help do most of the above. 

The Changes Your Body Undergoes When Sleeping

  • Slow your breathing & heart rate
  • Relax muscles
  • Lower blood pressure

What music helps us sleep better?

  • Ocean Sounds
  • A song you’re familiar with
  • Slower/calming tunes
  • Classical Music/Piano

Is sleeping with earbuds or headphones bad?

ProsCons
Sleep better, longer, fasterHearing Loss/Built-up earwax
Relaxation, especially 60-80 BPM (beats per minute)Strangulation – sleeping with a chord near your head is not good, but chances of this happening are low
Triggers feel-good chemicalsSkin Necrosis

Other Alternatives

  • Radio
  • Special Headphones
  • Pillow Speakers

Conclusion

If you need music to sleep, I would listen to it at a low volume to prevent hearing damage. Only listen to music if strictly necessary, or you can use other alternatives that don’t cause as much hearing damage. 

So, if you have problems sleeping, there are some recommended videos down below.

– Julia Li

Oclef Student – Power of Music

Sources Cited

Cuddihy, Madeline. Is Falling Asleep to Music Bad for Your Health, 5 February 2018 

Is Falling Asleep to Music Bad for Your Health?

Newsom, Rob. Music and Sleep, SleepFoundation.org, A OneCare Media Company, Medically Reviewed by Dr. Anis Rehman, Accessed October 2020

Music and Sleep: Can Music Help You Sleep Better?

Recommended Sleep Music

1 Comment

  1. Amol Ambilwade

    Music is a powerful art form.

    Thousands of dollars are being poured into creating this therapeutic music. Enjoy and Share. Like and subscribe.

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsIA-tnZ-SSVcWUZYXUYlLA

    Relaxing music can:
    Slow breathing
    Lower heart rate
    Lower blood pressure
    Quiet the nervous system
    Ease muscle tension
    Reduce stress and anxiety
    Trigger the release of sleep-friendly hormones, including serotonin and oxytocin
    Reduce sleep-stifling hormones like cortisol

    Music can also stimulate the mind and the body. Energizing, upbeat music can:
    Elevate heart rate
    Promote physical stamina and endurance
    Activate areas of the brain responsible for physical coordination, mental focus and attention, and creativity
    Trigger the release of hormones, including dopamine and adrenaline, that boost alertness

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsIA-tnZ-SSVcWUZYXUYlLA

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