Music is generally a safe, simple, and inexpensive strategy that can hold a variety of benefits. Besides being enjoyable to listen to, it may help to improve sleep quality, contribute to better walking speeds, and can be used as a therapeutic approach for individuals living with dementia. Read more about the potential benefits of music below.
Music can improve sleep quality
Not getting good quality sleep can negatively impact our mental, cognitive, and physical health. Although medications for sleep-related issues do exist, they are associated with unwanted side effects, such as an increased risk for illness, dependence, and death. Alternatively, music-based interventions—which generally involve listening to music and in some cases also making it—are non-drug strategies that appear to have the potential to improve sleep quality.
Music can improve walking speed
Whether you realize it or not, you may be training yourself for a longer, healthier, and more active lifestyle by listening to music while you walk. Walking speed reflects health and fitness and is a good predictor of how long and well you may live.
Music can help older adults with dementia feel more calm
Studies have shown that listening to music allows older adults with dementia to be calmer, which indirectly helps to reduce caregivers’ levels of stress. Also, group music therapy sessions led by a trained music therapists can help reduce caregivers’ anxiety by allowing them to express and share their feelings.
