Certain songs are so relaxing that they have been shown to reduce anxiety by 65% and may even rival pharmaceutical drugs in calming pre-surgery jitters.
But before you imagine doctors serenading their patients, let’s take a look at the research and the songs scientists used.
One study on preoperative anxiety included patients who received a type of local anesthetic called a peripheral nerve block.
Writing in the journal Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine in 2019, a team from the University of Pennsylvania said that preoperative anxiety is common and can increase stress levels in the body.
Sedatives used to treat anxiety can cause side effects that affect breathing and blood flow and require ongoing monitoring.
In their study, 157 adults were divided into two groups, with the first group receiving an injection of 1 mg to 2 mg of midazolam 3 minutes before using a peripheral nerve block.
Midazolam is sometimes prescribed as a sedative to NHS patients undergoing a variety of procedures.
While the second group listened to the music of Marconi Union, Zero gravity Via noise canceling headphones. Please try to hear:
Anxiety levels were then scored, and the results showed that patients in the music group had similar levels of anxiety as those taking the drug. This suggests that music is just as effective at calming nerves.
Although this song certainly reduced stress levels, I have to say that patients in the drug group were more satisfied with the overall experience than those in the music group.
Researchers suggested this may be because patients were not allowed to choose the music they listened to.
Doctors and patients also believed that it was easier to communicate without music playing.
The research team concluded that “music medicine may offer an alternative to the administration of midazolam before peripheral local anesthesia.”
“However, further research is needed to assess whether the type of music and how it is delivered provides benefits over midazolam that outweigh the increased communication barrier.”
In another study, Mindlab International found that: Zero gravity Anxiety reduced by 65%.
To create the song in 2012, the British band worked with a professional sound therapist to create the track using piano, guitar, chimes, and chants.
Rhys Cooper, founder of the British Academy of Sound Therapy, said: “This piece utilizes a number of musical principles that have been shown to have individual calming effects.
“By combining these elements in Marconi Union fashion, we have created the perfect relaxing song.”
