If you’re over 60 and having trouble sleeping, listening to music before bed may help improve your slumber.
A new study suggests that soothing music before bed could be a useful tool for older adults battling insomnia. It offers a low-cost, non-intrusive option if you’re looking to fall asleep faster and stay in slumber for longer periods.
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The study, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, found that when adults 60 and over listened to calming—rather than rhythmic—music for at least four weeks, they slept better.
In other words, you’ll want to leave your James Brown on the shelf and opt for some spa sounds. The goal isn’t to dance and nod your head, but to abandon energy and rhythm to reach a state of pure relaxation.
The tempo should be slow and low with a smooth melody, if melodic at all. These sounds may help calm anxiety, slow your heart rate and breathing, reduce blood pressure, and prime your body for sleep.
Better sleep is associated with several positive mental and physical health outcomes.
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Roughly 40 to 70 percent of adults over 60 report sleep problems, while about 40 percent experience some form of insomnia or sleep disturbances.
After reviewing five studies with 288 participants, researchers determined that listening to 30-60 minutes of calming music for about a month offered the best result. So, if you give it try for a few nights and notice no difference, keep at it: it may take a few weeks to adjust to the new conditions.
Including serene sounds into your sleep routine could serve as another mode of relaxation to help you sleep better. After your evening routine, crawl into bed and put the music on at a low volume. Set a 60-minute timer and let the sounds take you into dreamland.
About eight years ago, Mat Lecompte had an epiphany. He’d been ignoring his health and suddenly realized he needed to do something about it. Since then, through hard work, determination and plenty of education, he has transformed his life. He’s changed his body composition by learning the ins and outs of nutrition, exercise, and fitness and wants to share his knowledge with you. Starting as a journalist over 10 years ago, Mat has not only honed his belief system and approach with practical experience, but he has also worked closely with nutritionists, dieticians, athletes, and fitness professionals. He embraces natural healing methods and believes that diet, exercise and willpower are the foundation of a healthy, happy, and drug-free existence.
