It’s amazing how a song can bring back memories or make you feel happy, calm, or uplifted. The ability to distinguish between music and noise is natural. Our brains have different pathways to process different aspects of music, including pitch, melody rhythm, rhythm, and pace. Fast music can increase your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing, while slower music has the opposite effect.
Although the exact effects of music on our moods are still unknown, research has shown that the brain releases a chemical called Dopamine when we listen to music. Music can cause us to feel strong emotions like joy, sadness, fear, and some will even agree that music can move us. Some researchers believe music can improve our health, wellbeing and overall well being.
Although more research is needed to confirm the health benefits of music listening, some studies suggest music may have these positive effects on your health.
- Music can improve mood. Studies have shown that music can help to regulate emotions and promote happiness in daily life.
- Lowers stress. Relaxing music has been proven to decrease stress in healthy individuals and those undergoing medical procedures (e.g., surgery, dental, or colonoscopy).
- Music reduces anxiety. Studies of patients with cancer showed that listening to music with standard care decreased anxiety by a third compared to people who got standard care alone.
- Exercise is easier with music. Studies show that music can improve aerobic exercise, mental stimulation, and overall performance.
- Enhances memory. Research shows that repetitive elements like rhythm and melody can help our brains create patterns that improve memory. A study that looked at stroke survivors found that listening to music improved their verbal memory and reduced confusion. It also helped them pay more attention.
- Reduces pain. Patients who listen to music before, during, and after surgery have less pain and greater overall satisfaction than patients who didn’t.
- Offers comfort. Music therapy can also enhance communication, coping and expression of emotions such as fear, loneliness and anger among patients with serious illnesses and those in end-of-life care.
- Enhances cognition
- Music therapy can help children with autism spectrum disorders. Children who have received music therapy reported improved social skills, communication skills, attention, and social reactions.
- Helps premature babies. Lullabies and live music can impact vital signs, feeding habits, sucking patterns, and other behaviors. It may also increase the length of sleep-alert periods.