Scientists Pinpoint the Rhythm That Makes Some Songs So Relaxing
Your music tastes have nothing to do with what relaxes you.
Scientists have definitively proven that it’s not your fault you fell asleep during the symphony: Songs with a 10 second repetitive rhythm cycle, including — rather notably — Beethoven’s 9th, sync with the body’s natural 10-second intervals of blood pressure control. The sympathetic sound makes us relaxed and considerably more likely to doze off.
Not only will music with 10 second rhythmns calm you, it’ll reduce your risk of heart disease, which is a damn good reason to switch out the white noise machine for some classical.
Most popular music doesn’t fit the bill. In fact, faster music — including rock, pop, hip-hop, and rap— was shown to increase blood pressure. They call it “pump up music” for a reason. Scientists also proved that musical preference doesn’t matter at all. Your favorite Nicki Minaj tune may make you feel good, but it doesn’t make you feel tired.
So, the next time you want to relax to the soothing tones of Migos, give some of these a try instead…
1. Beethoven's 9th Symphony
2. Giuseppe Verdi's Marcia Trionfale
3. Vivaldi's Four Seasons
4. Ravi Shankar Jam Sessions
5. Moroccan Gnawa Music (though it might get annoying)
