Music tuned to 432 Hz versus music tuned to 440 Hz for improving sleep in patients with spinal cord injuries: a double-blind cross-over pilot study

Acta Biomed for Health Professions, 2020 · DOI: 10.23750/abm.v91i12-S.10755 · Published: October 5, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Sleep Medicine Alternative Medicine

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether listening to music tuned to a frequency of 432 Hz can improve sleep quality in patients with spinal cord injuries, compared to the standard 440 Hz frequency. Participants listened to their favorite music, which was converted to either 432 Hz or 440 Hz. Researchers then measured their sleep quality and stress levels. The results suggested that music tuned to 432 Hz may lead to a significant improvement in sleep scores, while music at 440 Hz did not show the same effect.

Study Duration

December 2018 and March 2019

Participants

12 patients with spinal injuries

Evidence Level

Pilot study with double-blind cross-over design

Key Findings

1
Listening to music at 432 Hz led to a significant improvement in sleep scores among patients with spinal cord injuries.
2
Listening to music at 440 Hz did not result in a significant improvement in sleep scores.
3
Participants perceived music tuned to 432 Hz as clearer, slower, deeper, and more intense compared to music at 440 Hz.

Research Summary

This pilot study explored the effects of listening to music tuned to 432 Hz versus 440 Hz on sleep and stress in patients with spinal cord injuries. The study found that listening to music at 432 Hz led to a significant improvement in sleep quality compared to 440 Hz. Participants also reported perceiving music tuned to 432 Hz as having a more positive impact on their mood, appetite, and energy levels.

Practical Implications

Further Research

Encourages further research with larger sample sizes and diverse research methods to validate the effects of 432 Hz music on sleep.

Clinical Practice

Suggests the potential use of music interventions, specifically tuned to 432 Hz, as a non-pharmacological approach to improve sleep quality in patients with spinal cord injuries.

Music Production

Highlights the importance of considering tuning frequencies in music production and their potential impact on listener's well-being.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size recruited from a single center.
2
Variability in listening days and wash-out periods.
3
Instruments used for sleep and stress measurements were not completely validated in Italian.

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