Sleepless? Some Sound Advise
Get in tune with your brain waves
Insomniacs who listened to classical piano created in response to their own brain waves — a technique called brain music therapy — improved their sleep quality in four weeks according to a University of Toronto study. The cutting edge therapy boosts levels of melatonin, a brain chemical linked to sleep.
Snake oil you say? Science, says Dr. Galina Mindlin, MD, PhD, an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry in Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, and the Supervising Attending Physician in the Department of Psychiatry in St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital Center. She has a PhD in neurophysiology and neuropsychology.
According to the Brain Music Treatment web site, brain music therapy is an effective, scientifically proven treatment for stress, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. It has also been found to increase productivity and concentration. Doctors record an individual’s brain waves and convert them into unique musical sounds. These musical sounds correlate to brain waves that promote relaxation and trigger activation in your body. The musical sounds are presented to you in the form of two musical files - one relaxing, and one activating. Playing the files promotes relaxation and activation in your body. The therapy is backed by solid scientific evidence, including double blind studies.
For $550, you get your own BMT CD to use at home. You listen to a 12-minute loop at bedtime (headphones are recommended) to drift off into dreamland. “Feeding your brain its own rhythms helps your muscles and breathing relax,” says Dr. Mindlin.
Too pricey? Here’s an alternative: Phil Eichling, MD, of the Sleep Disorders Center at University of Arizona says than any music you associate with relaxation can help. His personal favorites are the Somna sleep-promoting CDs, which were developed by a sleep researcher, and albums by flutist R. Carlos Nakai at Canyon Records.
Doug
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This is very interesting. My husband has had insomnia forever. He takes sleeping pills but they help only some of the time. He listens to new age music CD's which he says help a little. I will be looking into this for him. If it works it would be a Godsend.
Do you gave to wear a headset to bed? That would be uncomfortable and keep me awake.
I was just reading an article about how music therapy is also being used to treat autism:
http://alternativemedicinesresources.com/therapies/music-therapy/music-therapy-and-autism/
It also seems to be being used to treat and slow Alzheimer's. I have always been skeptical about treatments alleging that listening to music could provide medical benefits, but there is no shortage of literature suggesting its positive characteristics. Helping end insomnia seems entirely plausible.
One thing some people who have a hard time falling asleep do that works against them is watch TV, use a laptop or read books in bed. They think that will help them fall asleep but it actually works just the opposite by stimulating the brain. The fix is what sleep researchers have recommended all along: no books, no Leno, and definitely no laptop when you're under the covers. Sex is fine - it is, after all, nature's perfect sleep aid.
So if I am having trouble sleeping, what I need is more sex. And brain music to set the mood. Great news, I can't wait to tell my wife! I'll quote you!
Actually it is a scientific fact that more sex will help alleviate most problems. If you have a severe problem or several problems, you may require sex several times a day and night before you see improvement but be patient. Oh and don't forget the music.
"Scientific"? Dare I ask? Is this based on findings documented by Dr. H. Crook?
Dare I answer? Let's just say I have no trouble sleeping.
You sure that isn't just the Jack Daniel's?
:)
One of the managers at my work says he uses this and it works. If you have the money and want to sleep, he swears by it.
I listen to new age music at night to help me get to sleep. It only works sometimes. Sometimes i am too familiar with the music or it has parts that undue my relaxation because they get louder or faster. I have to always find new CDs that are calming. The ones they make for massage are the best.
I definitely will check this out. I HATE taking sleeping pills!