Here, in part 2 of the interview with the music-scientist Vera Brandes you learn more about the potential of music used for medicinal purposes. Discover the principal of the effect of music – the hidden potential of music.
Potential of music used for medicinal purposes
Editor: How is music influencing us in general?
Vera Brandes: In biological terms, the listening person and the music ideally become synchronized. At first, several hurdles have to be taken. The range of music preferences is rather small. Then, there are so-called universals in music, lullabies, for example. Here, astonishingly, the musical structures are based on the same harmonic basic patterns – worldwide. That means, in all cultures lullabies sound very similar. By the way, from the fifth month of pregnancy on, embryos sense sounds. It is known from science, that proper music has a positive influence on the development of the child during pregnancy as well as after birth. Because, children who had the possibility to do music in a playful way in early years normally have good cognitive skills and have a more harmonious social behavior. Of course, music also can be harmful; especially monotonous or very loud music. Or music, solely based on artificial sound generation.
E: But, taste of music differs individually!
VB: That’s what it really makes it difficult to compose a nearly universally effective music in research into the effect of music. And to prepare this composition in a medical context to make it available for all human beings; and furthermore, that all humans experience it as comfortable and pleasant. Therefore, amongst other things, we also dealt with lullabies and its universal and cross-cultural effects. Due to this, we were able to develop therapeutic music that shows a similar universal overall effect.
E: Now, how does music universally influence our sleep?
VB: Only special forms of music are suitable for transferring the signal that it is time to fall asleep and to relinquish control to our subconscious. Here, a deep state of trust and deep relaxation are necessary. The music has a mental as well as physical effect. Because, music develops a whole range of biologic effects including information for different physical levels. So, music influences neurochemistry in a gentle way, causes the release of neurotransmitters and hormones that directly influence our brain and the total nervous system and even has immune-system enhancing and muscle relaxing effects. Furthermore, breathing synchronizes with the rhythms of the music. With a suitable musical work, listeners can be lured from waking state into sleeping.
E: That means, relaxing generally is easier with suitable music?
VB: Yes, because the major effect of music is the one to the autonomous nervous system – consisting of the parasympethic nervous system and the sympathetic nervous system. The relation of these two nervous systems can be positively influenced with the proper music. A clear increase of the heart rate variability – an important indicator for physical and mental health as well as for the biological age – indicates this fact.
E: So, the SAMINA Soundlife Sleep System® also can be used as “fountain of youth”?
VB: (laughes) The initial idea of the sound pillow developed by myself and SAMINA was to present as many people as possible a possibility to fall asleep quickly, to sleep through and – if necessary – to once do with a fewer amount of sleep. Furthermore, it also contains a program for power napping.
E: Do have any final tip?
VB: Before going to bed, listen to the proper music. Lively music, too loud or too monotonous sonication make falling asleep harder or even impossible. Our human system needs quite some time for shutting down, especially, when the actual general condition is not good. By the way, singing has a clearly positive effect. Choir singers belong to the healthiest people. And, in case you don’t have a sound pillow at hand – a well sung lullaby also has a positive effect!
Thank you for the interview!
Imagesource: @fotolia