The effects of music listening on somatic symptoms and stress markers in the everyday life of women with somatic complaints and depression

Abstract

Despite a growing body of literature documenting the health-beneficial effects of music, empirical research on the effects of music listening in individuals with psychosomatic disorders is scarce. Using an ambulatory assessment design, we tested whether music listening predicts changes in somatic symptoms, subjective, and biological stress levels, and examined potential mediating processes, in the everyday life of 58 women (M = 27.7 years) with somatic symptom disorder (SSD) and depressive disorders (DEP). Multilevel models revealed that music listening predicted lower subjective stress ratings (p ≤ 0.02) irrespective of mental health condition, which, in turn, predicted lower somatic symptoms (p ≤ 0.03). Moreover, specific music characteristics modulated somatic symptoms (p = 0.01) and autonomic activity (p = 0.03). These findings suggest that music listening might mitigate somatic symptoms predominantly via a reduction in subjective stress in women with SSD and DEP and further inform the development of targeted music interventions applicable in everyday life.

Reciprocal relationships between sleep and smell

“…For example, ambient light levels can promote or impair sleep onset, in part through circadian rhythm entrainment ( Phipps-Nelson et al, 2003 ; LeGates et al, 2014 ; Santhi and Ball, 2020 ). Similarly, pain can delay sleep onset ( Taylor et al, 2007 ; Eban-Rothschild et al, 2017 ) and auditory stimulation (e.g., music) can reduce stress and pain ( Bernatzky et al, 2011 ; Hauck et al, 2013 ; Feneberg et al, 2021 ), potentially decreasing latency to sleep, while auditory noise can impair sleep ( Smith et al, 2022 ). Furthermore, during nREM sleep auditory stimulation (pink noise–broad spectrum noise with matched intensity across octaves) presented in phase with 1 Hz slow cortical oscillations enhances slow-wave amplitude, indicative of improved sleep quality ( Ngo et al, 2013 ).…”

The Neuroscience of Music Processing and Music Interventions for Mental Illness

“…Music listening differs from music therapy, not requiring a trained professional, and so can be done easily and inexpensively. Music listening has been shown to lower stress levels in depressive disorders [34], but much of current research's focus lies on music therapy as an alternative treatment or a supplement to other methods. While casual music listening may not be enough to treat depression, music therapy is a professional approach, where a qualified music therapist uses music to both improve mental health and boost the effects of concurrent treatments, such as medications [35].…”

Pengaruh Mendengarkan Musik Terhadap Kondisi Rilaksasi

“…Sudah banyak hasil penelitian menunjukkan pentingnya mendengarkan musik terhadap tingkat rilaksasi seseorang dalam berbagai kondisi termasuk produksi air susu ibu terutama pada saat baru melahirkan (Colliver, 2015). Selain itu, makin banyak literatur yang melaporkan hasil penelitian empiris mengenai efek mendengarkan musik pada individu dengan berbagai gangguan psikosomatik termasuk gejala somatik, tingkat stres subjektif yang potensial, dalam kehidupan sehari-hari (Feneberg et al, 2021). Hasil penelitian eksperimental dalam konteks klinis juga menemukan bahwa valensi tinggi dan gairah musik yang rendah (yaitu, 'musik santai') selain dapat menurunkan rasa nyeri juga sekaligus sebagai penanda stress (Finlay & Anil, 2016;Sandler et al, 2017;Sandstorm & Russo, 2010).…”