what does classical music do to the brain

what does classical music do to the brain

1 year ago 107
Nature

Listening to classical music can have several positive effects on the brain, including:

  • Brainpower and cognitive function: Classical music can improve intellectual performance and cognitive function by inducing a calming effect that releases dopamine to spike pleasure. The dopamine also prevents the release of stress hormones, which improves mood and clarifies thinking.

  • Relaxation and reduced stress: Classical music can lower cortisol levels in the brain, which can help lessen anxiety and lower blood pressure. It can also soothe individuals and reduce stress levels.

  • Improved memory: Classical music can improve memory by down-regulating genes associated with neurodegenerative diseases. It can also increase dopamine and neuroconnectivity in the system, slowing down the aging process.

  • Assisted sleep: Classical music can prepare the brain and body for sleep by having a slow tempo and being soothing. It can also help to relieve stress and anxiety, which can improve sleep quality.

  • Increased brain plasticity and neural-network development: Music lessons and practice of any sort, particularly in classical music, may contribute to improved brain plasticity and neural-network development, which can enhance learning and memory.

  • Enhanced activity of genes involved in dopamine secretion and transport, synaptic function, learning, and memory: Listening to classical music can enhance the activity of genes involved in dopamine secretion and transport, synaptic function, learning, and memory. It can also down-regulate genes that are associated with neurodegeneration, referring to a neuroprotective role of music.

  • Activation of different parts of the brain: Listening to music can activate different parts of the brain, including the frontal lobe, amygdala, and hippocampus. It can also increase dopamine in the nucleus accumbens, similar to cocaine.

Overall, listening to classical music can have several positive effects on the brain, including improving cognitive function, reducing stress, improving memory, assisting sleep, and enhancing brain plasticity and neural-network development.

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