For everyone in life, music plays a big part. Many of our great moments and happy memories all involve music in some way. Birthdays, graduations, weddings, and more, are all much more enjoyable with the addition of some great music. Music can evoke special memories, can change our moods, and can make you want to get up and dance. But one thing many people may not know is that music can impact health and sleep quality as we age.
Research has shown that listening to music has numerous good health benefits, especially when it comes to brain health. When we listen to music, it triggers the release of several neurochemicals, such as pleasure inducing dopamine, immunity boosting serotonin, and oxytocin, the neurochemical that fosters our ability to connect with others. Music therapy is often used to evoke memories, improve cognitive skills, and potentially slow the age-related cognitive decline in older adults. Older adults can improve their brain health with music by reducing stress, inducing relaxation, treating mental illness, and lowering anxiety. Music can also help older adults with recovering from strokes, managing their pain, and improving the quality of their sleep.
A good night of sleep is essential for all of us to keep our mental and physical health in top form, especially as we all age. But unfortunately, many older adults find themselves having difficulty with falling asleep at night, or staying asleep through the night. According to the Sleep Foundation, as we age, some of the changes in our brains and the production of hormones can lead to disruptions in the cycle of healthy sleep we so desperately need.
Furthermore, poor sleep quality in older adults has been linked to cognitive decline, memory problems, and increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease. But the good news is that if you’re looking for an easy and enjoyable way to reduce your stress, improve your health, and get your sleep rhythms back on track to enjoy night after night of refreshing, restorative sleep, music may be the answer you’re looking for.
Music can be a natural sleep aid for older adults, working to both reduce their stress and calm their minds, which are two of the most common factors that negatively affect sleep patterns. Researchers have found that listening to calm, slow-tempo and peaceful music before bedtime can improve both the overall quality and the total duration of sleep in older adults.
Incorporating music into your sleep routine is much easier than you probably think it is, too. With multiple apps capable of playing a wide catalog of music available on just about every phone, creating a personalized playlist of songs that you love and relax you has never been easier. Avoid loud, fast-tempo music in the evening. But in the morning, it can help you to get up and get ready to face the day. As you transition from the evening to bedtime each night, play soft, relaxing music.
Once you find and create a routine that works for you, make it a habit to follow each night and it will teach your body to wind down and relax for sleep.