Music can make you laugh or cry, excite you or calm you. Some say music is a healer of the soul, but beyond that, music may also be beneficial for your heart health.
It’s fascinating to know that the rhythm of music, or music in general, affects the heart rate. Faster rhythms increase the heart rate, while slower rhythms decrease it. We will discuss more about this topic shortly. While it is true that music often plays a large role in our lives and has uplifting properties, we still don’t fully understand how it can also contribute to heart health. Interestingly, both the mind and body instantly recognize music. When we listen to music, the heart rate increases compared to times of silence. This increase in heart rate depends on the rhythm of the music. Meanwhile, the sympathetic nervous system raises the heart rate by releasing adrenaline, while the parasympathetic nervous system slows the heart rate and helps the heart rest. People with heart diseases often experience higher levels of anxiety, and abnormal heart rhythms are an early sign of this anxiety. However, patients experience a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure while listening to music. Music plays a significant role in lowering blood pressure by slowing down the breath and allowing for deeper breathing. Music also helps relieve pain. Even in painful procedures like open-heart surgery, music can increase the natural release of oxytocin and help ease pain, just like pain-relieving medications and narcotics. Additionally, music therapy is beneficial for depression. Depressed individuals are twice as likely to be at risk for heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke, or heart attacks. Music’s uplifting effect is entirely beneficial for patients with depression.
Effects of Music in Treating Diseases
One study showed that hospitalized heart patients who listened to music for 30 minutes a day had lower blood pressure, slower heart rates, and less discomfort than those who did not listen to music.
Another study concluded that patients who had suffered a heart attack and listened to relaxing music for just 20 minutes a day in a quiet environment experienced less anxiety and distress than similar patients resting in a silent room without music.
In another study, men and women who listened to music shortly after heart surgery had less anxiety and reported less pain than those who were placed in a quiet room post-surgery.
Another study measured blood flow in the forearms of a group of healthy volunteers who listened to music or relaxation tapes. Blood flow significantly increased when participants listened to uplifting music or relaxation tapes, while it decreased when they listened to anxiety-inducing music.
Another study showed that elderly volunteers who listened to relaxing music for 25 minutes a day for four weeks experienced a reduction in their systolic pressure (maximum pressure) by 12 points and diastolic pressure (minimum pressure) by 5 points, whereas there was no change in blood pressure for the group that did not listen to music.
Effects of Music on the Brain
In 2009, the world’s oldest musical instrument, a flute made from a vulture bone, was discovered in a cave in southern Germany. This discovery revealed that humans were making music over 40,000 years ago. Though the exact time of musical use is still unclear, scientists understand why humans listen to music. Below are some of the effects of music on the brain:
Music Improves Learning
Doctors at Johns Hopkins University have stated that listening to music stimulates the brain. Scientists know that music engages the brain, and MRI scans show active areas. Listening to music increases the desire to learn. According to a 2019 study, individuals listening to music as a reward showed a higher motivation to learn.
Music Can Enhance Memory
In a study, participants were asked to read some material and then recall a short list of words. Those who listened to classical music during the test performed better than those who did it in silence. This study also measured the speed of performance, and the results were the same. Mozart helped them perform tasks quickly and correctly. Although music doesn’t help people with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia regain memories, it has been shown to help those with mild cognitive decline recall parts of memories.
Music Can Treat Mental Disorders
Music truly changes the brain. Neurological research has shown that listening to music triggers the release of chemicals that play a key role in brain function and mental health:
Dopamine, the chemical associated with pleasure and reward
Stress hormones like cortisol
Serotonin and other immune-related hormones
Oxytocin, a chemical that enhances the ability to connect with others
Effects of Music on Mood
Many studies have been conducted on why we listen to music. One of the most common reasons is that it helps individuals regulate their emotions. Music has the power to change mood.
Music is Effective in Reducing Anxiety
There is plenty of evidence that listening to music helps people calm down during anxiety. One study found that those recovering from a stroke experienced more relaxation by listening to music daily compared to others. Several studies suggest that listening to music before a stressful event does not reduce anxiety, but listening to calming music after a stressful event helps the nervous system recover faster.
Music Helps Improve Symptoms of Depression
According to a 2017 study, listening to jazz music, in particular, had a positive effect on depression symptoms. The controversial part of the study found that listening to nostalgic sad music could worsen depression, especially for individuals who tend to ruminate or experience social withdrawal. Therefore, it’s important to consider this before listening to music. Music has a powerful effect on humans; it can improve memory, increase tolerance when performing tasks, reduce anxiety and depression, relieve fatigue, and enhance workouts. The benefits of music on the brain and overall health are undeniable.
