A recent study has revealed that something as simple as listening to music could help ease anxiety. Researchers found that just 24 minutes of the right type of music can make a noticeable difference.
The findings offer a promising, low-effort approach to managing anxiety symptoms.
A research paper published in PLOS Mental Health has shown that listening to music for 24 minutes can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms.
The study was conducted by scientists from Toronto Metropolitan University, who examined 144 participants experiencing moderate anxiety.
How study was conducted
Participants were divided into four groups based on the type and duration of sound exposure:
- One group listened to pink noise (similar to rain or ocean sounds) for 24 minutes
- Another group listened to auditory beat stimulation (ABS) music for 12 minutes
- A third group listened to ABS music for 24 minutes
- The fourth group listened to ABS music for 36 minutes
Key findings: 24 minutes is the sweet spot
The results showed that ABS music was more effective than pink noise in improving both mental and physical symptoms linked to anxiety.
Among all durations, the 24-minute session proved to be the most effective. It delivered better outcomes than both shorter (12 minutes) and longer (36 minutes) sessions.
Frank Russo, co-author of the study and a psychology professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, explained the findings:
“We are seeing a dose-response pattern, where ABS with music lasting about 24 minutes seems to be the most appropriate duration.”
He added that this duration strikes a balance—it is long enough to produce noticeable benefits without requiring a major time commitment.
