Last Updated on November 13, 2022 by theworldofsleepstaff
iNSSince its existence, music has been a preferred relaxing method for many. The existence of music dates as far back as the stone age and has only increased with modernity.
Whether it is reggae, blues, pop, or even classical music, it has been proven that dopamine is released into your brain when you listen to songs you find pleasurable. This dopamine inspires positive feelings like happiness and pleasure which will in turn promote relaxation and calmness – two feelings essential to having a replenishing night rest.
This study by Harvard University confirms that music can indeed be used therapeutically in order to improve general well being.
Music is also a great sleeping tool and can function almost as effectively as sleeping tablets – without the side effects.
Many people attested to this in a survey by ResearchGate on the effect of music on sleep, in which 62% of respondents stated that they used music to help them sleep.
If you have been battling with insomnia and you want a non pharmaceutical form of treatment, you can always try out music.
As one popular adage says, different strokes for different folks. Many people have a different genre of music that appeal to them. Fortunately, there is an option for almost anyone.
Read on to discover our carefully curated list of calming music that can take your sleeping experience from 0 to 10.
The Best Calming Music for Sleep: 18 That Could Beat Insomnia
1. Weightless by Marconi Union
This calming music for sleep combines well-arranged harmonies put together by a group of sound therapists to reduce the pressure on the heart.
According to Harvard Health Publication, “sound processing begins in the brainstem, which controls the rate of your heartbeat and respiration.” This connection could explain why relaxing music like Weightless may lower heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure — and also seems to ease pain, stress, and anxiety.
The “Weightless” music by Marconi Union is ten hours long, which is long enough for you to have a good, refreshing sleep.
Here’s a link to the YouTube video so you can try it for yourself.
Recommended: 30 Tips On How To Get Better Sleep Naturally
2. Rainstorm Sound
Scientific studies have shown that the brain produces alpha rhythm or waves when we listen to rain sounds. Alpha waves can help to induce feelings of calmness, heighten creativity and also increase one’s ability to absorb new information.
Naturally, alpha rhythms occur when we are asleep, and thanks to this pre-recorded rainstorm sound available on YouTube, you can easily access it.
This link leads to a nearly eight-hour-long YouTube video of sound from a rainstorm that will help boost the production of alpha waves in your brain which will in turn help you sleep.
3. Flying by Peder Helland
This relaxing music by Peder Helland is effective for relieving stress. Stress is a feeling of tension experienced as a reaction to an event and is a common enemy to having a good night’s sleep.
Humans of all ages are prone to stress. However, listening to pieces of relaxing music can assist in deactivating stress and also help improve your mood. If you are not a fan of playing music all night, then this music video is the right choice for you.
This is a three-hour-long YouTube video of the song crafted to suit your needs.
4. Rain Noise and Forest Stream Water for Sleeping
This calming music for sleep is a wonderful combination of two relaxing sound types – rain noise and forest stream water drops. The consistent sound of the water drops creates a soothing rhythm that will lull your brain into a relaxation mood.
Additionally, the consistent rhythm of the sound will ensure that the brain waves stay saturated with that feeling of calmness.
This link leads to the Rain Noise + Forest Stream sound that lasts for over ten hours.
5. Ocean Sounds
Eleven hours is more than enough time to have a sound night’s rest. The sound of the waters laying carelessly over each other in this music will inspire a feeling of pleasure and satisfaction. When the brain senses this kind of feeling, it calms the body.
Ocean Sound video link.
6. River in the Shire Sound
This sound is purely the music of nature. A beautiful harmony of birds chirping and water flowing through a stream. This video is nine hours long and so should be more than enough for you to get your required eight hours of sleep.
This link leads to the video.
7. Soft Piano Music
Music stimulates the brain in an unusual way. Playing a music piece on the piano is an absolutely perfect way of relaxing your mind. In a situation where you are too tired to play the piano yourself, or you don’t have a piano at your disposal, but still want to enjoy the beautiful, relaxing sound that comes from the piano, then this is for you..
This is a seven-hour-long soft piano music that can inspire serenity while you sleep.
8. Soft Piano and Water Sounds
Nature has a way of rewarding people that listens to her with peace.
The combination of the soft piano and water sound in this calming music for sleep gives a warm, relaxing feel that simply washes over you. The five-hour duration of the video makes it perfect for workers who really do not have a long time to sleep but want short, quality sleep time.
This link leads to the soft piano + water sound.
9. Calm Piano and Guitar Music
If you are an ardent lover of the strings, then we may have just found you some perfect relaxing music. This calming music for sleep creatively combines the sound of the piano with the gentle, tingling sound of guitar strings to create a sense of pleasure.
If you want to take a three-hour long nap or sleep, and you find it difficult to do so, then listening to this sound could be the difference.
This link leads to the calm piano + guitar music.
If you have ten hours to sleep but still want to wake up to the combination sound of calm piano and guitar, tap this link.
10. Please, Don’t Go (Barcelona)
This pop/rock music genre sets your mind at ease. The hardly-danceable song might be your go-to if you want a love song to set you at ease and help you think of the person you love.
When you think of good memories you have shared with someone you love, it causes your mind to be at rest and in love over again, and this can help you sleep.
This link leads to an hour-long video that will serve as a pace-setter for quality sleep.
11. Electra by Airstream
If you are an electric music fan and need a one-hour nap, hit this link.
12. Ambient music
Unlike other music genres, this music style does not contain regular rhythms. It places importance on tone, atmosphere, and mood above the beat.
Ambient music is basically a mood setter that also functions in helping you relax. Below are a few ambient music that you could add to your relaxation music playlist:
13. Strawberry Swing by Coldplay
An alternative rock, folk-pop song that combines an upbeat tempo with low-key singing and relaxes the brain.
YouTube video link.
14. Pure Shores by All Saints
This song is a dreamy pop song with ambient and electronic production that can remove anxiety and help you sleep.
YouTube video link to the song.
15. Classical Music
Classical music is often used for relaxation. It also sets a mood for its audience with simple melodies alongside the sudden, gradual change in tempo, which is considered a great brain exercise and relaxation tool.
Below are links to some classical music you can play or listen to in order to fall asleep faster.
Song 1: Song for Sienna by Brian Crain
Song 2: Clair de lune by Debussy
Song 3: Canzonetta Sull’aria by Mozart
16. Someone Like You by Adele
The pop-soul song by the sensational singer, Adele, is capable of releasing dopamine into your body through the powerful lyrics and the soulful voice.
This link leads to the YouTube video of the song.
17. Binaural Beats
According to the Sleep Foundation, “preliminary research suggests that binaural beats can help you sleep better. A study using binaural beats at a delta frequency of 3Hertz showed that these beats induced delta activity in the brain. As a result, the use of binaural beats lengthened stage three sleep.”
Hit this link to listen to a binaural beat
18. Gregorian Chants
An all-male Roman catholic choir sings the Gregorian chant. It has no harmony or specific rhythm. This sound produces the same waves that the brain produces when at rest.
calming music for sleep: In Conclusion
Sleep is a state of inactivity or rest. The human body requires long hours of sleep for proper functioning and physicians advise that we sleep for up to seven to eight hours daily to achieve a healthy life.
There are endless benefits to having an adequate sleep. Some of the benefits have been listed below:
• Sleeping can give your immune system a boost
• Improve your mood
• Increase your productivity at work or school
• Improve your attention span
If you have trouble sleeping, you may want to consider looking into the following:
• Your lifestyle
• Your work type
• Quality and quantity of food you take in
All of the above tend to affect your sleep. If you have evaluated the above and you still find it difficult to sleep or you cannot really change much about it, then try out our calming music for sleep options and see if they help. Good luck!