Also known as: music therapy, active music making
Latest evidence update: 2026-12-24
Music engages widespread brain networks and triggers dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens. Listening to preferred music reduces cortisol, anxiety, and pain perception. Playing an instrument builds cognitive reserve and may delay cognitive decline.
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Non-randomized controlled trials of music therapy show no significant improvement in sleep quality (SMD: -1.08, 95% CI includes zero).
Music therapy showed no significant changes in systolic blood pressure in hemodialysis patients.
Music therapy increases oxygen saturation in preterm infants, with a dose-response relationship of 1.7% increase per minute of music exposure.
Music therapy reduced depression levels in individuals with dementia compared to standard care.
Music interventions do not appear to impact oxygen saturation level in cancer patients.