There are many reasons why so many people are drawn to music. For example, after a hard day, just by listening in to your favourite radio station or music play list can increasingly improve your mood. This is because music has the power to lift our spirits as well as calming us down.

Understanding the benefits of music can be of great value especially to those with sleeping problems. According to a poll by the National Sleep Foundation, three quarters of American adults suffer from problems with sleep. Such sleep deprivation not only affects the ability to function the next day, it also messes with brainpower.

People with adequate amount of sleep are, in general, are happier and healthier. However, when a person suffers from sleep deprivation, they are more likely to feel tired or fatigued, their social and intimate relationships suffer and may put themselves and others in danger for example when driving.

However, a study by The Journal of Advanced Nursing, in their studies discovered that older adults with sleep problems who listened to soft music at bedtime reported a 35 percent improvement in their sleep. The participants slept longer and better, and less daytime dysfunction. All they did was listen to 45 minutes of music before bed.

According to The Journal of Heart and Lung, music can do more than help with sleep, it’s also food for the brain. Research found that people who listened to music while exercising performed more than twice as well on a verbal fluency test than those who don’t listen to music. The test was designed to challenge the part of the brain that deals with planning and abstract thought.

Charles Emery, lead author of the study said “Listening to music may influence cognitive function through different pathways in the brain. The combination of music and exercise may stimulate and increase cognitive arousal while helping to organise cognitive output.”

More over, music can have an amazing impact on many different aspects of our health. This may include our mood, stress level and even the ability to tolerate pain. Currently, there’s a growing area of study called music therapy, whereby music is utilised as part of a treatment to help patients ranging from Alzheimer’s disease to acute and chronic pain.

The public should be made more aware of the amazing benefits of music especially today, when Americans are constantly on the go with their hectic lifestyle. A simple relaxation technique, it’s the perfect non-medical alternative that only takes literally minutes to make a difference to a happier life.

Source:

http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/05/05/03/if-you-want-to-sleep-better–amp-improve-your-brainpower-try-music.htm