Binaural Beats: Do They Really Work When Sleeping?
Everyone has their sleeping technique. Some don’t need anything, while others listen to music or follow a guided meditation. Binaural beats are one such way to attain a peaceful sleep.
It may sound like a music genre, but it is not. Instead, binaural beats contain specific tones that stimulate our brain to create sleep frequency. Initial experiment shows these can reduce anxiety and enhance the urge to fall asleep.
Let’s talk about sleeping problems. Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders where a person faces difficulty falling or staying asleep. It has many causes, like lifestyle habits, mental health disorders, stress, and medications.
The prevalent way to relieve insomnia symptoms involves making specific regimens to ease the body and mind before bedtime. For some, binaural beats are an effective technique to boost their sleep.
Binaural Beats: What Are They?
They are our brain’s perception of sound. Listening to two tones of different frequencies simultaneously in different ears causes the brain to produce an extra tone we can hear, a binaural beat. We hear it at the points of difference between the two tones.
How Do They Work?
When our ears hear a tone at different frequencies, our brain tries to remunerate by developing a perception of a new sound. The part of the brain that helps discern a sound’s location is the part that creates the third sound.
We need to hear sounds in each ear to hear the binaural beat. We won’t hear it if we close one ear or remove one earbud.
Listening to binaural beats for an extensive duration synchronizes them with our brain waves, resulting in altered brain activity and stimulation.
For instance, if we listen to one tone at 310 Hz and another at 300 Hz, the binaural beat will be heard at 10 Hz. We cannot hear them at higher frequencies. The frequency of each tone should be less than 1000 Hz, and the distinction between them should be 35 Hz.
Can Binaural Beats Improve Sleep?
Studies show that binaural beats may help us sleep better. One study used the beats at a delta frequency of 3 Hz, which suggested that they stimulated delta activity in the brain, extending stage three sleep. We know this sleep stage as deep sleep, which we experience at dawn. It is essential for feeling refreshed in the morning. In another study, soccer players listening to binaural beats from 2-8 Hz reported better sleep. However, some researchers say the evidence is insufficient.
How to Use Binaural Beats?
We have access to many binaural beats. We can choose to download tracks from reputable sites online or buy CDs.
Binaural beats usually consist of gentle sounds like white noise to promote relaxation. The duration of these beats varies. So, we must experiment with different tracks and consider multiple listenings to understand how long it takes us to experience sleepiness.
Those who listen to a specific Solfeggio frequency or more may be well acquainted with the potential of sound to enhance their lifestyle. When listening to Binaural beats, ensure each ear gets a different frequency. Earbuds and headphones can prove extra effective in the process.
What Combinations Of Binuaral Beats Make Sense?
Binaural beats offer various combinations of frequencies tailored to achieve specific goals. For deep relaxation and sleep, the combination of Delta (0.5 - 4 Hz) and Theta (4 - 8 Hz) waves is commonly used. To enhance focus and concentration, the combination of Alpha (8 - 13 Hz) and Beta (13 - 30 Hz) waves can be effective. For stress reduction and creative thinking, combining Theta and Alpha waves proves beneficial.
Where One Might Find Binuaral Beats
Finding binaural beats is convenient with various reputable sources available. Online music platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and SoundCloud offer a wide selection of tracks for different purposes. Dedicated apps on Android and iOS devices provide customizable settings and duration options.
Specialized websites offer both free samples and premium tracks for download or streaming. Additionally, some meditation and wellness platforms incorporate binaural beats into their guided sessions.
Ensure you use headphones or earbuds to receive the appropriate frequencies in each ear for optimal results. Prioritize reputable sources, and consult a healthcare professional if you have medical concerns before incorporating binaural beats into your routine.
