How Classical Music Helps Cure Insomnia
The Sounds of Sleep: Choosing Music To Enable a Deeper Rest
Dec 11, 2008
Insomnia plagues many people in today's society. Insomnia can be caused by ingesting too much caffeine, noise pollution, stresses and anxieties that won't let the mind rest, excessive computer and television use, and other disorders.
The Circadian Rhythm is negatively affected in insomniacs, rendering their bodies incapable of comprehending when it's day and when it's night. As a result, insomnia affects one's ability to work, function in relationships and undertake relaxing activities such as sports. It can even lead to conditions ranging from sleep apnea to death.
When unable to sleep, solutions can include trying warm baths, hot drinks, the reduction of excessive stimuli and herbal remedies like valerian root and ginger teas. Other recommendations are a dark room, exercise earlier in the day, sex before bed and a reduction in daytime napping. Classical music is also a good option to ease the mind and relax the nervous system.
How Classical Music Helps Insomniacs
Recent research from the University of Toronto suggests that even long term insomniacs can be healed by the playing of soothing music. Scientists studied the brain to see what types of tonal and rhythmic patterns create a meditative mood and slower brainwaves. They then tried to replicate these patterns with music.
The key is to pick music that slows the mind though 50-60 beats per minute rather than the 120 plus beats per minute that club music or metal assaults the brain with. Classical music helps people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. It even assists those who regularly wake up in the night to fall back asleep again quickly.
Music can be listened to at a distance, so it functions more as white noise, or, if that's not effective, in earphones at close range for a depth of mental stimulation.
Which Classical Musicians Work Best for Insomnia
According to research, a wide range of classical music assists insomniacs to sleep. Handel's "Water Music," Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons," Brahms "Lullaby," Mozart's "Baroque Music," Debussy's "Arabesque #1" and Strauss's "Waltzes" are among the most successful pieces used in the treatment of insomnia.
However, J.S. Bach's "Cello Suites" or his "Goldberg Variations," the latter literally written for a nobleman who had difficulty sleeping, are perhaps the apex of serene and soporific melodies.
There's even a CD of violin and harp music by Gidon Kramer and Yaoko Noshino called "Insomnia." Released by Philips in 2000, this recording contains tunes by Satie, Strauss and Cage, among others, all designed to lure the insomniac into sweet dreamland.
All insomniacs experience their condition differently. Thus one should consult one's health care practitioner for more specific treatment options and be open to a wide range of suggestions for a good night's sleep.
 |
