Stimulating the brain with gentle sounds, also called pink noise, during deep sleep significantly improves heart function, according to a new study.
- Work by Swiss researchers has shown that more deep sleep is beneficial for the cardiovascular system.
- Additionally, if pink noises are made during this phase of sleep, heart function shows signs of improvement.
- For researchers, listening to pink noises during sleep could be beneficial for patients suffering from heart conditions as well as athletes.
To have a healthy heart, you need to listen to gentle sounds during deep sleep. Here are the conclusions of a study by theETH Zurich and the University Hospital of Zurich which analyzed the effects of this phase of sleep on heart health.
Their work was presented in the journal European Heart Journal.
Pink noises during sleep boost function cardiac
For this research, Swiss scientists brought together 18 healthy men aged 30 to 57, who spent 3 nights in a sleep laboratory. During two of these nights, the volunteers were exposed to pink noise: it is a constant, low-frequency sound that is softer and more natural than white noise. For example, the sound of a waterfall or a river.
While the participants were in Morpheus’ arms, the scientists measured their brain activity, blood pressure and heart activity. The next morning, they examined the sleepers’ heart function using an ultrasound scan.
The team then discovered that increased deep sleep is beneficial for the cardiovascular system. Another observation: When the brain is stimulated by pink noises during this sleep phrase, the contraction and relaxation of the heart is more vigorous, particularly in the left ventricle. This leads the organ to pump blood through the circulatory system more efficiently. “Which has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system”assure the researchers.
“We expected that stimulation with tones during deep sleep would have an impact on the cardiovascular system. But the fact that this effect was so clearly measurable after just one night of stimulation surprised us.”explain there project manager and sleep expert Caroline Lustenberger in a communicated.
Cardiovascular diseases: a discovery that could improve treatments
For researchers, their discovery could lead to a protocol to strengthen cardiac function, and thus benefit people with cardiac pathologies, but also athletes.
“Especially in preventive medicine, but also in competitive sport, this type of deep sleep stimulation system could help improve heart function in the future – and perhaps ensure faster and better recovery after sessions intense workouts”explains the main author Stephanie Huwiler.
Caroline Lustenberger adds: “The treatment of cardiovascular diseases can be improved with this or similar stimulation methods. However, it is crucial to first examine whether patients can also benefit from this type of deep sleep stimulation.”
