Anxiety before going through an operation is quite normal. However, for some patients, these jitters take an ugly form. But it seems the pain can wait out the door now.
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What Do The Researchers Offer?
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There’s one such melody in the world that possesses the soothing qualities that, research indicates, can lower anxiety levels by a remarkable 65 percent, possibly offering a viable alternative to pharmaceuticals in alleviating pre-op jitters.
However, before you begin imagining doctors crooning their patients, let’s delve into the study to learn more about the research and identify the specific song that the scientists used.
In a research study about people getting ready for surgery, they received a type of anaesthesia called peripheral nerve block.
In a 2019 article in Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, scientists from the University of Pennsylvania talked about how lots of people feel anxious before surgery, and this anxiety can make their bodies feel more stressed.
Why Say No To Sedatives?
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Anxiety medications, specifically sedatives, may come with side effects that can affect respiration and circulatory functions, necessitating ongoing surveillance.
In their research, 157 adults were divided into two groups. The first group received a dosage of 1mg to 2mg of midazolam, administered via injection three minutes before the application of a peripheral nerve block. Midazolam is occasionally prescribed as a sedative for NHS patients undergoing various medical procedures.
Meanwhile, the second group listened to Marconi Union’s ‘Weightless’ using noise-cancelling headphones. Give it a listen!
How Much Did The Music Help?
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Afterward, anxiety levels were assessed, and the findings revealed that individuals in the music group exhibited comparable anxiety levels to those in the medication group. This suggests that music was equally effective in soothing nerves.
It is worth noting, however, that although the song helped lower stress levels, patients in the medication group expressed higher overall satisfaction with their experience compared to those in the music group.
The researchers speculated that this disparity might be attributed to the fact that patients in the music group were not given the opportunity to select their preferred music. Additionally, both doctors and patients found it easier to communicate when the music was not playing.
The team then concluded, “Music medicine may be offered as an alternative to midazolam administration prior to peripheral regional anaesthesia.”
“However, further studies are warranted to evaluate whether or not the type of music, as well as how it is delivered, offers advantages over midazolam that outweigh the increase in communication barriers.”
In another study conducted by Mindlab International, it was discovered that ‘Weightless’ led to a remarkable 65 percent reduction in anxiety levels.
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