Home / Health / Anxiety Relief Found in 24-Minute Music Sessions
Anxiety Relief Found in 24-Minute Music Sessions
17 Mar
Summary
- Specially designed music with auditory beat stimulation proved effective.
- A 24-minute listening session offered the best anxiety reduction.
- Music therapy can be a simple, low-cost anxiety management tool.
A recent clinical trial suggests that listening to specially designed music for a specific duration can effectively alleviate anxiety. Researchers found that a 24-minute session incorporating auditory beat stimulation (ABS) significantly reduced anxiety symptoms in adults who were already on medication.
The study, conducted by Toronto Metropolitan University, involved 144 participants with moderate anxiety. Results indicated that music with ABS was more effective than pink noise in lessening both cognitive and physical anxiety symptoms, also improving participants' mood.
Frank Russo, a psychology professor and study co-author, described 24 minutes as the "sweet spot" for listening. This duration is sufficient to impact anxiety levels meaningfully without requiring an excessive time commitment from listeners.
As millions worldwide experience anxiety, this research highlights music-based interventions as a promising, accessible option. These tools could complement existing treatments like medication and therapy, which may involve time, cost, or side effects, offering a simpler path to symptom management.
