The Science Behind Calming Dogs With Sound

We did not expect the observed relative increase of cortisol concentrations in the music group in comparison to the control groups. Our findings seem to be the opposite from what the majority of previous studies have reported when investigating the effect of music on baseline HPA axis functioning, i.e. a significant decrease in cortisol concentrations [67–77]. Our findings also seem to differ from the effects of music, when music is presented during or after a stressor . It appears that music listening prior to the experience of stress may add to, facilitate, or increase subsequent HPA axis activation by a staggered activation of a partly shared neuronal network. Brain-imaging studies are needed to investigate whether there is indeed a specific ‘combinational’ effect of music and stress. We included a non-music acoustic control condition, i.e. listening to sound of rippling water, in our study.

They then spent an additional 10 minutes listening to songs of their choice and then experiencing 10 minutes of total silence. That song,“Weightless” by Marconi Union, was specifically crafted to be a stress-relieving piece of music. The group worked with sound therapists to develop it and incorporate “carefully arranged harmonies, rhythms, and bass lines” that decrease a listener’s heart rate and cortisol level.

This causes the breath to slow, which helps release tension in the neck, shoulders, stomach and back. Listening to slow or calming music on a regular basis can help our bodies relax, which over time, means less pain and faster recovery time. Studies show that relaxing tunes can calm your autonomic nervous system, which leads to slower breathing, reduced heart rate, and lower blood pressure, all of which help you sleep. A 2002 study conducted by animal behaviorist Dr. Deborah Wells shows that classical music helps dogs relax. The dogs rested more, spent more of their time being quiet, and spent less time standing than when exposed to stimulation such as heavy metal music, pop music and conversation. An analysis of 5 studies on music for depression concluded that music therapy is not only acceptable for depressed patients, but it actually helps improve their moods.

The sounds on this video are carefully arranged harmonies, rhythms, and bass lines that help slow a listener's heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and lower levels of the cortisol stress hormone. Equally remarkable is the fact the song was actually constructed to do so. The group that created "Weightless", Marconi Union, did so in collaboration with sound therapists. Its carefully arranged harmonies, rhythms, and bass lines help slow a listener's heart rate, reduce blood pressure and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. The study was conducted on participants who attempted to solve difficult puzzles as quickly as possible while connected to sensors. The puzzles induced a certain level of stress, and participants listened to different songs while researchers measured brain activity as well as physiological states that included heart rate, blood pressure, and rate of breathing.

The 1800s saw medical research into the therapeutic nature of music grow, and by the 1940s, universities were offering music therapy programs. Thayer Gaston, one of three men who pioneered the use of music as a therapeutic tool, had organized and promoted the practice so that it would become an accepted type of therapy. Music therapy uses the powerful abilities of music to improve a person’s Calming Music well-being. It is an alternative to other types of therapy, such as counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy .

A team of neuroscientists, which Dr. Lewis-Hodgson lead, conducted a study on sound therapy. Participants had to attempt to solve puzzles, which induced stress, with sensors attached to their bodies. They then had to listen to different songs while researchers measured and recorded their heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. Aside from helping with mental health conditions, music therapy also has numerous other benefits, such as providing a creative outlet, expanding knowledge and cultural awareness, and improving cognitive skills such as memory. The aptly-named Calm Down Playlist, created by Jane Aldridge, will help you do just that. When you feel overwhelmed or like your anxiety is starting to spiral, put this on.

People can also enjoy a great sense of achievement from creating a piece of music, which can help improve their mood and self-esteem. This is not specific to music therapy, though, as many other types of psychotherapy can take place in the home. Now, there are many music therapy associations around the world, and music therapists work in private care, education, and social care.

"This LITERALLY has gotten me through 2020. Something about the chill vocals and repetitive, soothing instrumentals is just perfect. I've never come across another song that has quite the same effect on me." "Every song by Lady Gaga is a mood for me and reminds me to be unapologetically weird and different. Plus, 'Highway Unicorn' is an underrated masterpiece." "The instruments in it have calming qualities, and it never fails to set my mind at ease when I'm overwhelmed. Hoseok provides such comfort." "It's not very well known apparently, but it's calming in a way that very few other songs are for me. Seriously, y'all should listen to it." "The music and his voice just really always help me get into a better headspace. I always put in on when I feel overwhelmed." The ‘Be Calm on Ahway Island’ podcast, which tells a calming, meditative like story, is highly recommended.

"I know when some people are upset, they like to listen to sad music, but I like angry songs, which Halsey has a lot of." "I instantly relax when that song comes on. It just makes me feel happy when I listen to it." Well, we recently asked the BuzzFeed Community to tell us what songs they listen to when they feel overwhelmed and that help calm them down. One of the most highly viewed videos on the platform is the three-hour Morning Relaxation Music – Positive Background Music for Kids, by OCB Relax Music. It’s got a slightly more whimsical, fun feel to it, whilst still being calming and soothing, to keep your children engaged. Here at GoodtoKnow the ‘Relaxing Disney Piano Music’ video, by The Soul of Wind, is a favourite.

According to research from 2015, some people find experiencing ASMR helps relieve negative mood symptoms, including feelings of depression or stress. Standardized music stimuli, selected by the researchers, might have different effects than those chosen by the participants themselves. In our study, however, we used a music stimulus which had already been evaluated as relaxing in previous research , so we were confident that this stimulus had stress-attenuating capacity independent of individual preferences. Also, using researcher-selected music stimuli has been shown to have greater effects on stress reduction than music stimuli selected by the subjects themselves .