Research shows that just 24 minutes of listening to specially selected music can significantly reduce anxiety levels. Psychologists studied the impact of music combined with so-called auditory rhythms — gentle sound stimulation that affects brain activity. These results were published in the journal PLOS Mental Health.
In this randomized study, 144 adults with moderate anxiety who were already undergoing medication treatment participated. The participants were divided into groups: one group listened to "pink noise," while the other listened to music with auditory rhythmic elements of varying lengths. Anxiety levels and emotional states of the participants were assessed before and after the sessions using standard psychological scales.
The most noticeable effect was recorded after a 24-minute session. It contributed to a reduction in both psychological and physical manifestations of anxiety, proving to be as effective as longer listening sessions, but significantly surpassing the 12-minute option. Music without added rhythms did not yield such results.
The authors of the study emphasize that this method could become a useful complement to traditional approaches in treatment. Music therapy does not require the use of medications, has virtually no side effects, and can be applied for quick anxiety reduction in everyday life.
