A good night’s sleep can often seem elusive in the hustle and bustle of our modern lives. Many struggle with monkey minds and restless bodies and take refuge in dreams. Amidst many approaches to improve sleep quality, An increasingly popular and non-invasive method is sound therapy!
In this blog, we explore why sound therapy for sleep is one of the best therapeutic practices that can create an environment conducive to relaxation and rest.
Why is sleep so important?
Sleep is essential for human survival and functioning!
The WHO (World Health Organization) claims that two-thirds of the population sleeps less than the recommended 7-8 hours per night (also recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine).
Getting good quality sleep is just as important as the quantity of sleep, and good and refreshing sleep has many health and well-being benefits.
Here are our top 5 benefits of a good night’s sleep!
- Promotes public good and quality of life
- Increases immunitywhich improves overall health and well-being
- Promotes positive mental health
- Improves mood
- Promotes emotional resilience
Understanding the Basics of Sound Therapy for Sleep
Sound healing therapy, also known as sound healing, has its origins in ancient civilizations that recognized the profound impact of sound on the human mind, body and spirit. In contemporary environments, sound therapy for sleep has emerged as a holistic and accessible approach to tackle insomnia, stress and other sleep-related problems.
One of the many benefits of sound healing has the potential to improve sleep quality by reducing stress and creating conditions conducive to restful and restorative sleep. It has been widely proven that sound healing can promote the relaxation response by reducing anxiety levels.
Study findings
In a study involving medically ventilated patients, the results showed a reduction in anxiety with soothing music was played in the IC. The small-scale study showed a decrease in heart rate, breathing rate, metabolic rate, oxygen consumption and improvements in blood pressure..
Another study reported that compellingly sound therapy may be an innovative approach to reducing an individual’s risk of developing neurodegenerative diseasessuch as Alzheimer’s disease, by inducing electroencephalographic (EEG) slow delta oscillations (which characterize deep sleep), thereby promoting glymphatic clearance.
although a small pilot studySome encouraging results were found when using two vibration frequencies simultaneously to induce sleep. This was created using a whole body vibration bed to deliver high amplitude low frequency waves consistent with delta brain waves. These are typical during the deeper stages of sleep.
Also normal bringing awareness to the breathProlonging exhalation and introducing humming can significantly impact the nervous system, causing a relaxation response. The production of nitric oxide (NO) can be increased fifteenfold by introduction humming, which has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system and puts the nervous system into parasympathetic dominance, associated with relaxation, rest and therefore improving sleep quality.
Another study who compared singing versus talking with children in need, found that singing was much more effective at calming the babies and inducing sleep.
Also, it is claimed That 2 Hz and lower frequencies are best for inducing sleep. However, we have thousands of case studies and testimonials from SHA students, graduates and staff to confirm this that is our uniqueness integrated sound healing approach leads to better quality and quantity of sleep.
Smartwatches and other devices can help us track and monitor our sleep patterns. So it’s always great to hear that clients have evidence of their improved sleep after a healthy bath or treatment. A frequent attendee of a sound bath with one of our Sound Healing Academy Associate Teachers said, “I slept great and had great dreams! It has given me a more positive feeling about the future!”
Sarah, another healthy bath participant, recorded her sleep after a healthy bath and reported being awake for only 23 minutes, compared to her usual reading of about 3 hours of being awake in bed. Deep sleep increased from an average of 16 minutes to 40 minutes. Sarah reported the feeling “the next morning cooler than normal” after a healthy bath with a qualified SHA practitioner.
Our favorite healing sounds for bedtime
Nature sounds
Gently rustling leaves, babbling brooks and ocean waves create a soothing auditory backdrop that mimics the natural world. These sounds evoke a sense of calm and transport the listener to a serene environment conducive to sleep.
White noise
White noise is a consistent, stable sound that covers a broad spectrum of frequencies. It helps drown out distracting or sudden sounds, creating a consistent sound environment that can promote relaxation and mask disruptions.
Binaural beats
Binaural beats create an auditory illusion that affects brain wave patterns by playing slightly different frequencies in each ear. This technique promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety and improves sleep quality.
Instrumental music
Melodic and soothing instrumental music, especially that with slow tempos, can be a powerful tool for inducing relaxation. Traditional instruments such as flutes, pianos and soft strings are often included in sleep-inducing playlists.
Guided meditations
Guided meditations combine calming stories with peaceful sounds and guide individuals through a relaxation process, releasing tension and stress. This approach helps calm the mind and prepare it for a good night’s sleep.
Practical applications and accessibility of sound therapy for sleep
One of the main benefits of sound therapy is its accessibility.
With the rise of smartphone apps, streaming services, and specialty devices, individuals can easily incorporate sound therapy into their bedtime routines. Whether it’s dedicated sleep apps, ambient playlists or purpose-built sound machines, the options are diverse and tailored to individual preferences!
Final thoughts
Sound therapy offers a harmonious solution for a good night’s sleep in a world full of noise and distraction.
Harnessing the inherent power of sound, this therapeutic practice taps into the primal connection between people and the soothing rhythms of the natural world. As we search for holistic approaches to wellness, sound therapy is emerging as a gentle yet powerful ally in the search for a peaceful night’s sleep.
So tune in, let go and let the symphony of sound send you into a refreshing sleep!
What to read next:
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