Meta-narrative review: the impact of music therapy on sleep and future research directions

Sleep is essential to human health, yet 27% of the global population suffers from sleep issues, which often lead to fatigue, depression, and impaired cognitive function. While pharmacological treatments exist, non-pharmacological approaches like music therapy have shown promise in enhancing sleep quality. This review, analyzing 27 studies with various experimental paradigms, confirms that music therapy significantly improves subjective sleep quality, largely by alleviating anxiety and regulating mood through perceptual pathways. However, the effects on objective sleep measures remain inconclusive, suggesting that individual differences may play a significant role. Future research should focus on refining intervention designs that integrate both subjective and objective sleep assessments to better elucidate the physiological and psychological mechanisms of music therapy. Key recommendations include personalized music selection, development of age-appropriate interventions, and minimization of external interferences to maximize therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, incorporating variables like psychological status, lifestyle, and environmental factors may offer a more comprehensive understanding of music therapy's long-term adaptability and effectiveness for diverse populations. This review offers critical research directions and practical support for future applications of music therapy in sleep health.