A new study by researchers has revealed the world's most relaxing song, which can even be used to calm patients before going into surgery.
We all like to unwind every now and then, but sometimes the stresses of modern life can make switching off difficult.
Listening to music is a common way of de-stressing after a long day and we all have our favorite genres. But researchers have found a song that they have dubbed to be "the world's most relaxing".
MindLab International - the group behind the research - has declared that 'Weightless' by British band Marconi Union claims the prize after the song was released in 2012 specifically to reduce stress and anxiety.
Listen to the song below:According to Forbes, the band used scientific theory and worked with sound therapists to produce the song, in a way that is similar to composing music for movies.
MindLab revealed that the song far surpasses any other that it tested, declaring that it "induces a 65% reduction in anxiety and a 35% reduction in usual physiological resting rates."
At the time of the song's release, Richard Talbot - a member of Marconi Union - said: "It was fascinating working with a therapist to learn how and why certain sounds affect people's mood. I always knew the power of music but we have previously written using gut feeling."
As cited by Forbes, Dr. David Lewis-Hodgson from MindLab explained: "Brain imaging studies have shown that music works at a very deep level within the brain, stimulating not only those regions responsible for processing sound but also ones associated with emotions."
The founder of the British Academy of Sound Therapy, Lyz Cooper, explained why the song is so effective. "[The song] contains a sustaining rhythm that starts at 60 beats per minute and gradually slows to around 50," she said, which effectively means the listener's heartbeat will slow to match the beat of the song.
The song features soothing melodies, and mellow synths alongside piano and guitar mixed in with natural soundscapes. It is considered so relaxing, that it is unsafe to listen to it while driving.
If you're struggling to settle tonight, perhaps give 'Weightless' a listen and see if it works!
