PLOS Mental Health: 24 minutes of listening to music with binaural rhythm reduces anxiety levels.
Just 24 minutes of listening to specially selected music can significantly reduce anxiety levels. This conclusion was reached by psychologists who studied the effect of music combined with so-called auditory rhythms — gentle sound stimulation that influences brain function. The results of the clinical study were published in the journal PLOS Mental Health.
The randomized experiment involved 144 adults with moderate anxiety who were already receiving medication. Participants were divided into groups: some listened to 'pink noise', while others listened to music with auditory rhythmic stimulation of varying durations. Before and after the sessions, researchers assessed anxiety levels and emotional states using standard psychological scales.
The most pronounced effect was observed in the 24-minute session. It reduced both psychological and physical manifestations of anxiety and proved to be as effective as longer listening sessions, but significantly surpassed the shorter 12-minute option. Music without special rhythms did not produce such effects.
The authors note that this format could become an accessible addition to traditional treatment methods. Music therapy does not require medication, has virtually no side effects, and can be used for quick anxiety reduction in everyday life.
It was previously reported that learning to play musical instruments can improve memory and learning ability in older adults.
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