Journal of Sleep Research, Jan 2019<\/strong> Abstract<\/strong>
Kira Vibe Jespersen, Marit Otto, Morten Kringelbach, Eus Van Someren, Peter Vuust<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Music is often used as a self\u2010help tool to alleviate insomnia. To evaluate the effect of bedtime music listening as a strategy for improving insomnia, we conducted an assessor\u2010blinded randomized controlled trial. Fifty\u2010seven persons with insomnia disorder were included and randomized to music intervention (n<\/em> = 19), audiobook control (n<\/em> = 19) or a waitlist control group (n<\/em> = 19). The primary outcome measure was the Insomnia Severity Index. In addition, we used polysomnography and actigraphy to evaluate objective measures of sleep, and assessed sleep quality and quality of life. The results showed no clear effect of music on insomnia symptoms as the group \u00d7 time interaction only approached significance (effect size = 0.71, p<\/em> = .06), though there was a significant improvement in insomnia severity within the music group. With regard to the secondary outcomes, we found a significant effect of the music intervention on perceived sleep improvement and quality of life, but no changes in the objective measures of sleep. In conclusion, music listening at bedtime appears to have a positive impact on sleep perception and quality of life, but no clear effect on insomnia severity. Music is safe and easy to administer, but further research is needed to assess the effect of music on different insomnia subtypes, and as an adjunctive or preventive intervention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n