Individualized Music Therapy May Help Insomnia
It's a far cry from "Rock-A-Bye Baby," but researchers say they've developed a state-of-the-art form of the lullaby that is tailor-made for individuals based on brain-wave responses to soothing tones.
The tool for insomnia is composed by first evaluating a person's brain wave responses to certain rhythmic and tonal pattern, and then using a computer to make "healing" music according to an individual's responses.
In a study of people who had suffered from insomnia for at least two years, researchers with the University of Toronto found that those provided with soothing music -- either tailor-made or not specifically designed for them -- experienced less anxiety after listening to the music over a four-week period.
But the effect was more pronounced in the group that listened to the personalized music, reports the BBC.
The findings were presented at the Associated Professional Sleep Societies' meeting in Seattle.