Music has been used for centuries to help people fall asleep, but what type of sleep music is the most effective? A recent study published in PLOS ONE set out to determine what types of music are the most popular for sleep and why they work. Close to half of people interviewed use music to help them fall asleep. However, there’s been little detailed research on what types of music people are actually listening to for this purpose. Music can be calming and help you get into a relaxed and contemplative state, making it easier to fall asleep. It can also be listened to in low light, which is another plus for deep sleep.
What Type of Sleep Music is Most Popular
The study reviewed data from the audio streaming service Spotify to determine what types of sleep music people listen to, to fall asleep. The researchers analyzed 986 playlists that featured the word “sleep” in any language and grouped the tracks into clusters based on their characteristics such as tempo, loudness, and energy. The largest cluster consisted of ambient tracks, but other large clusters were filled with contemporary radio tracks, including pop hits and indie tracks. To the surprise of the researchers, classical and instrumental genres were not as commonly used as previously reported in self-reported studies.
Why Certain Music Helps You Sleep Better
Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a sleep medicine physician, explains that the human brain recognizes patterns and enjoys getting it right. Highly danceable or energetic songs can help someone fall asleep if they are structured, symmetrical, and predictable without sudden changes in tempo or intensity. Familiarity with the songs also helps, as novelty keeps the brain awake. It’s not the danceability of sleep music that determines whether it will help you fall asleep, but rather whether the music is emotional or triggers emotion. Some people find upbeat music calming.
Tips for Using Sleep Music
Dr. Dimitriu recommends not wearing headphones while listening to music for sleep, as they would need to be removed and could cause discomfort. It’s also important to choose sleep music that’s not too exciting or emotional. The best music is calming and helps you get into a relaxed and contemplative state.
The bottom line…
In conclusion, using music to fall asleep is a common practice that can help people get into a relaxed state and fall asleep easier. The study found that the most popular types of sleep music were ambient tracks, contemporary radio tracks, pop hits, and indie tracks. To get the best results, choose calming music that’s not too exciting or emotional and listen to it in a comfortable environment without headphones.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is sleep music?
Music that is specifically designed to help people fall asleep and stay asleep. This type of music is often calming, repetitive, and predictable, which can create a peaceful and relaxed environment for.
How does it work?
Sleep music works by creating a soothing environment for the mind and body. It helps to calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety, making it easier for people to fall asleep and stay asleep. The repetitive and predictable patterns in the music also help the brain to recognize and follow the music, which can enhance your slumber experience.
What are the benefits?
Using music for sleep can provide several benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep quality, and increasing the overall feeling of relaxation and peace. Additionally, sleep music can also help to regulate the sleep-wake cycle and improve sleep duration.
What should I look for in sleep music?
When choosing the right for sound that is calming, repetitive, and predictable. Avoid music that is too exciting or emotional, as this can interfere with the sleep experience. You may also want to look for music with a slower tempo and lower volume, as this can help to promote deeper sleep.
Is it safe to listen to with headphones?
While listening to with headphones can provide an immersive experience, it is generally not recommended to wear headphones while sleeping. Wearing headphones can be uncomfortable and may need to be removed, which can disturb the sleep experience. It is best to listen to sleep music in a comfortable environment without headphones.
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