Can music help us fall asleep?
According to a 2005 study, up to a quarter of Kiwis suffer from chronic sleep problems. Most people who have had to deal with the condition know just how frustrating it can be as well as the negative impact it can have on many aspects of life. However, many people have found treatment from a somewhat unusual source – music.
Psychologist Laszlo Harmat studied 94 students who suffered from sleep disorders. He gave one group classical music to listen to for 45 minutes before bed, another group an audiobook, and the third group nothing. After only three weeks, 85 per cent of the music group found themselves sleeping well. Of the audiobook group, only nine out of 30 became good sleepers.
But how does this affect those over 60? Another study conducted in 2003 by Hui-Ling Lai and Marion Good involved a similar experiment on people with sleeping difficulties between the ages of 60 and 83. Just like with the student subjects, the music quickly began to work its magic, with half of the group prescribed music before bed becoming good sleepers.
So, how can you try it at home? Researchers recommend slow, relaxing music like classical, jazz and blues. It’s also important to keep the music at a volume that isn’t so low that you can barely hear it and not so loud that it prevents you falling asleep. They also making sure the last song on your playlist is one that gently fades out. This way, you won’t be suddenly woken up by the silence.
Do you listen to music when you’re trying to sleep? What other secrets do you have to getting the perfect night’s sleep? Share your tips with the Over 60 community in the comment section below.
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