The effects of music on sleep

ABSTRACT

Sleep is essential to human survival, yet issues with getting restful, consistent sleep are a common problem. One in three adults do not reach the recommended amount of sleep often leading to a myriad of issues, from physical illness to mental and cognitive disorders, poor work attendance, and frequent disruptions in daily life. Traumatic experiences that occur early in life can have lifelong health implications, including sleep disorders and insufficient sleep. With the advent of COVID-19, people in the United States and across the world were forced to quarantine, thereby disturbing previously established patterns of behavior, daily engagement with others, and regulated sleeping habits. Being able to rejuvenate the physical, emotional, and mental state through sleep became more important yet also more difficult amidst the stresses of the pandemic. Healthcare professionals are seeking alternate options for patient treatments relative toward achieving healthy sleeping patterns. Inclusion of music may be a contributing option to this ongoing problem because it is easily accessible and can be personalized to individual tastes. It is cost effective, cost avoidant, and avoids the risk of serious side effects. The focus of this article is to explain how music may impact sleep, and to offer suggestions that optimize sleeping patterns through the conscientious application of music and music therapy. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)