Regular engagement with music listening and music therapy sessions has the potential to substantially enhance sleep quality and memory functions among older adults. This conclusion was reached by experts affiliated with the Wuhan Conservatory of Music in China, with their findings detailed in the publication Frontiers in Psychiatry.
A collective of Chinese researchers conducted a thorough systematic review and meta-analysis encompassing 14 randomized controlled trials, which involved a total of 1,730 elderly participants. The aggregate data revealed that participation in musical interventions led to an average reduction of 3.37 points on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) global score when compared to control groups.
The PSQI, or Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, serves as a tool for evaluating an individual’s sleep habits, identifying potential risks for disturbances, and assessing daytime levels of motivation and concentration during wakefulness.
Furthermore, increased frequency of music exposure correlated with decreases in depressive symptoms (averaging 3.94 points lower) and anxiety levels (a reduction of 9.28 points) among the subjects. Two of the included studies also documented improvements in cognitive performance, with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores increasing by an average of 2.86 points.
The most significant impact was observed in programs lasting between four and eight weeks. Optimal results were achieved with sessions lasting 30 to 45 minutes, conducted up to seven times per week. Positive shifts were noted in both the demographic of independently living seniors and in patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, though the gains were less pronounced in the latter group.
The researchers posit that music aids in promoting relaxation and alleviating emotional tension prior to sleep, facilitating quicker onset and improving the overall quality of rest. Nevertheless, the authors regard the current body of work as preliminary and intend to pursue further investigations to solidify their conclusions unequivocally.
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