Music can help you sleep better – give this playlist a try

Het nummer Weightless van Macaroni Union is speciaal gecomponeerd om de hartslag te verlagen. Handig voor het slapen gaan dus.

Various scientific studies confirm that listening to music before bed can improve sleep, both the time it takes to fall asleep and the sleep quality itself. This applies especially to people with mild to moderate sleep problems. A recent meta-analysis —a comparison of multiple studies—showed that music is an effective and, let’s not forget, drug-free treatment to help fall asleep more easily and to improve sleep quality.

Listening to music activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest and recovery. This results in a lower heart rate, calmer breathing, and quieter brain activity.

If you make listening to relaxing music part of your bedtime ritual , it becomes even more effective. Your brain then receives a signal at a fixed time that it is time to sleep.

Not all music is relaxing

Attention metal lovers and hardstylers: not all music has a relaxing effect on our body and mind. Calming music, classical pieces, or ambient music with a slow tempo (60 to 80 beats per minute) are the most effective. It is also important that the music does not contain unexpected peaks or loud noises that startle you awake.

People with mild to moderate sleep problems benefit most from listening to calming music. Older people also often experience improved sleep thanks to music. For people with severe sleep disorders, music can be helpful, but often more is needed in the form of professional help.

17 songs that demonstrably relax

Would you like to give it a try? A great place to start is the playlist by Flow, Happinez, and Psychologie Magazine on Spotify, featuring 17 songs that are demonstrably relaxing . The list begins with the song Weightless by Macaroni Union, specially composed to lower the heart rate. The rhythm of this eight-minute song slows from sixty to fifty beats per minute, to which most people's heart rates adapt. This happens after five minutes of listening. It is known as the most relaxing song in the world .

Are you tired of this playlist? You can also search on Spotify for terms like: Deep sleep, peaceful piano, ambient relaxation, or calm vibes. Almost guaranteed to have 60 to 80 beats per minute as well.