The effects of music can help you sleep surprisingly well
Relaxing before bed is the key to good sleep!
Hello.
Have you been able to relax before going to sleep lately?
"I have trouble falling asleep at night"
"I can't sleep soundly until morning"
I'm sure there are many people who have the same concerns.
In fact, the key to a good night's sleep lies in how you spend your time just before going to bed.
In particular, consciously creating time to relax and calm your mind will lead to better quality sleep.
But one thing you should be careful about is the music.
Playing music to relax is a great habit, but depending on the type of music , it can actually excite your brain!
Have you ever had the experience of thinking, "I feel even more awake than usual..."?
This time, we will introduce in detail the characteristics of music that is perfect for sleep !
Whether you know this or not could make a big difference to your night.
Let's take a look!
Characteristics of sleep music ①: A monotonous, slow tempo
The first point is to choose music with a simple, slow tempo .
The human brain is very sensitive to sudden rhythmic changes and intense beats.
When you listen to up-tempo music, your sympathetic nervous system becomes dominant, making you more likely to wake up.
On the other hand, a slow, monotonous rhythm stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system and puts you in a relaxed state.
Furthermore, it is said that so-called "high frequency" music of 4,000 Hz or higher is effective in eliciting alpha waves (brain waves produced during relaxation).
Classical music is a prime example of music that contains a lot of these "high frequencies."
Quiet classical music, especially that of Mozart or Bach, is a reliable aid to sleep.
If you play soft classical music before going to bed, you will naturally feel your body and mind relaxing.
Characteristics of sleep music ②: Music without lyrics
Second, choose music without lyrics .
It may be surprising, but music with lyrics is quite stimulating for the brain.
When you unconsciously follow the content of the song and think about its meaning, your brain becomes more active.
If you end up feeling more alert instead of relaxed, it will defeat the purpose.
Therefore, if you want to listen to music before going to bed, we recommend instrumental songs without lyrics .
in particular,
- Classical music (orchestral and piano pieces)
- Music box arrangements
- Ambient music
etc. are perfect.
The music box-style arrangement in particular has a nostalgic and warm sound that gently envelops the soul, making it perfect for supporting a good night's sleep.
Characteristics of sleep music 3: Music with a constant rhythm
The third point is to choose music with a consistent and pleasant rhythm .
Humans are creatures who find rhythmic patterns known as "1/f fluctuations" very comfortable.
"1/f fluctuation" refers to a rhythm that is common in nature and is regular but slightly irregular.
in particular,
- the sound of rain
- the murmur of the river
- the sound of waves
- The sound of the breeze rustling the trees
All of these natural sounds contain 1/f fluctuations.
When you are enveloped in this rhythm, your mind and body will relax effortlessly, leading you naturally into a state of relaxation.
In other words, nature sounds and ambient music are also great for helping you sleep.
Summary | Music tips for improving sleep quality
So far, we have been talking about music that will improve the quality of your sleep.
To summarize the points again...
- The tempo is monotonous and slow
- Music without lyrics
- Music with a constant rhythm (1/f fluctuation)
Choosing music that captures these three qualities will put you much closer to a good night's sleep.
There's no need to think too hard about it.
It's a simple method, so give it a try tonight!
For example, just playing some gentle music from a music box before going to bed may help relax your mind and make your eyes feel heavy.
You can also find plenty of "sleep music" on nature sound apps and YouTube.
It's also fun to search for that one song that suits you.
Conclusion
Sleep is your daily reset button.
A good night's sleep will leave your body and mind feeling refreshed and ready for a better day the next day.
Because we are so busy every day, it is important to make small changes before going to sleep.
If you feel like you have trouble falling asleep or can't seem to get rid of your fatigue, be sure to try incorporating the features of the "sleep music" we introduced today.
Well, thank you for your hard work today!
Wrap yourself in a warm futon and have a sweet dream...
