Research shows listening to music reduces anxiety, blood pressure, and pain as well as improves the quality of sleep, mood, mental alertness, and memory. In this post, we explore the studies behind this concept to help you dear reader, continue making strides in improving health and wellness.

Helps patients feel less pain and anxiety

Listening to music engages your brain — doctors can see the active areas light up in MRI scans. According to Medical News Today (MNT), after analyzing 72 randomized controlled trials involving more than 7,000 patients who received surgery, researchers found those who were played music after their procedure reported feeling less pain and anxiety than those who did not listen to music, and they were also less likely to need pain medication. The powerful effect was even better for patients who selected their own music.

Lower the “stress hormone”, cortisol

Another MNT study found infants remained calmer for longer periods of time when they were played music, instead of spoken to. It may depend on the type of music listened to, but mediated measures such as as pulse, heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature are positively affected by certain types of music.

Creates feelings of connection

Music can create a feeling of cohesion or social connectedness – for instance, music powerfully unites people in the following examples:

• National anthems connect crowds at sporting events
• Hymns build group identity in houses of worship
• Love songs help prospective partners bond during courtship and commemorate milestone life events
• Lullabies enable parents and infants to develop secure attachments

Aids in memory

In one study, researchers gave people tasks that required them to read and then recall short lists of words. Those listening to classical music outperformed those working in silence or with white noise in the background. 

 Mayo Clinic found music can slow cognitive decline, helping people with mild or moderate dementia remember episodes from their lives.

Helps treat mental illness

Neurological researchers found listening to music triggers the release of several neurochemicals that play a role in brain function and mental health:

• Dopamine, the chemical associated with pleasure and “reward” centers
• Serotonin and other hormones related to immunity
• Oxytocin, which fosters the ability to connect to others

Although more research needs to be done to understand precisely how music can be used therapeutically to treat mental illness, some studies suggest that music therapy can improve the quality of life and social connectedness for people with schizophrenia. For more on mental health trends, read our previous post.

The American Music Therapy Association describes music therapy as the use of music in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehab clinics, nursing homes, schools, correctional facilities, and substance use programs to help meet the medical, physical, emotional, and cognitive needs of patients. To find a board- certified music therapist in your area, check this registry.

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