Music is the language of emotions that bypasses the logical barriers of the brain. Properly chosen soundscape can lower heart rate and blood pressure within minutes. But not all "calming" music is suitable for sleep. The key lies in the physics of sound.
Binaural Beats
This technique involves playing sounds of slightly different frequencies to the left and right ears (headphones required!).
- Left ear: 200 Hz.
- Right ear: 210 Hz.
- The brain "hears" the difference: 10 Hz.
A frequency of 10 Hz corresponds to Alpha waves (relaxation). The brain tunes into this frequency (a phenomenon called Brainwave Entrainment). If you want to sleep, we aim for Delta waves (1-4 Hz).
Scientific Sources:
- Padmanabhan, R., et al. (2005). "Effect of music on cardiovascular reactivity to cold pressor test".
- Jirakittayakorn, N., & Wongsawat, Y. (2018). "Brain responses to 40-Hz binaural beat".
