Music has long been studied and revered for its ability to both entertain and heal people. Numerous experts have investigated how music can potentially have therapeutic effects on a variety of mental and physical health conditions, as well as as a way to cope with daily life. According to recent research, music can reduce stress and anxiety, relieve pain, and improve focus, among other things.
Reduced cortisol levels
A recent 2021 study showed that adults who listened to both personal and neutral selections of music, at home and in a laboratory environment, had significantly “reduced cortisol levels.” This was found regardless of the music type.
Benefits of mental health treatments
An overview of 349 studies on music’s usefulness as a mental health treatment for conditions including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression, found that 68.5% of music-based interventions had positive results.
Reduced burnout
Music therapy also had a significant benefit in preventing burnout in operating room staff. A 6-week study trusted Source showed that after having access to 30-minute music listening sessions each day at work for a month, staff reported decreased stress levels and less emotional exhaustion.
Helps you fall asleep
62%Trusted Source of respondents to a 2018 survey reported they use music (from multiple genres) to help them fall asleep, mostly because it relaxed them, and distracted them from daily stressors. People who used music less were more likely to have lower-quality sleep.
Reduced depression
Music listening or music therapy reduced depression levels, according to a 2017 review by trusted Source, and was associated with increased confidence and motivation, especially in group settings.
Reduced anxiety in children
A 2021 review of articles from 2009 to 2019 showed that music significantly reduced anxiety for children leading up to and during medical procedures.
Helps people cope with the pandemic
A survey-Trusted Source of over 5,600 people from 11 countries demonstrated that music has played a very important role during the COVID-19 pandemic in helping people cope during the lockdown, and meet their well-being goals across culture, age, and gender lines.
Improved quality of life with Alzheimer’s disease
Especially when tried in the form of personal playlists for relaxation, research showed that music interventions can have positive effects on the behavior and cognition of people with Alzheimer’s disease, improving quality of life.
