Music, Sleep and Human Well Being

                                                
Traditionally, music is known to have positive effects on health. It continues to be a specialized area of medical research. We all have heard about the Mozart Effect. It is clinically proven that listening to Mozart improves reasoning. However, it is the psychological impact of music that interests the masses the most. Historical studies will tell us the deep impact music had in arousing nations. Music played a big role in almost every country - Russia, France, Korea, USA, Ireland, India, Vietnam and even Afghanistan. These are just some examples.
But music goes far beyond arousing nations. In this essay we examine the effect that music has on our general well being. This way music has the power to positively change our daily lives. To keep this article concise we discuss three important ways music improves human well being.

1. Music helps to de-stress and sleep

When we think of a modern life we think 'stress'. The demands of daily life have robbed us of personal peace. We don't have time for ourselves. Even when we do get time, the thoughts and worries hang heavy on us. Music has an important role to play here.
The soothing effect of music helps to remove anxiety. It helps us to relax and sometimes puts us to sleep peacefully. Some researchers have found out that listening to soft music 45 minutes before sleep helps people sleep longer and better.

2. Music and Healing

German-Jewish poet Berthold Auerbach fondly mentioned that - "Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." The idea of music as a healing agent goes back to the times of Aristotle and Plato. Music styles like jazz, blues and soul all came into being to handle pains in daily life. Music therapy really picked up and became main stream in World War 2. Community musicians used to visit returning soldiers to face their physical and emotional trauma. Music therapists have also observed the social connection and bonding when music is played and shared in a group.

3. Music generates energy

A study at Brunel University in West London found out that listening to music actually increases endurance by as much as 15%. In addition personal energy efficiency can increase by 1% to 3%. The efficiency increases because some music helps to concentrate. A new 'digital tonic' Ubrain can now be downloaded on Smartphones. It claims to help people focus, energize, and wake up as well as relax.