RESUMO
Background: Given that the stages of sleep have specific brainwave patterns, it may be feasible to manipulate brainwaves to induce stages of sleep to improve better sleep quality. Binaural beat frequencies (BBFs) are an auditory-neurologic technique that uses auditory tones via headphones to manipulate brainwave activity in turn affecting the listener's state of consciousness. However, BBFs are often sold in only one frequency which may not allow the listener to transition through the phases of sleep. This study is Phase 2 of a four-phase feasibility study to assess if systematically sequencing a variety of BBFs can improve sleep efficiency. Methods: This protocol uses a two cohort unblinded and double-blinded, randomized, pre- and post-intervention methods and crossover matched group design. In Cohort 1, a sample of 106 participants with poor sleep quality will be randomized into two groups. All participants will start with 1 week of no intervention. Group 1 will use theta/delta BBF for 2 weeks followed by 1 week of no intervention followed by music for 2 weeks. Group 2 will do the reverse. In Cohort 2, 62 participants will be blinded and randomized into two groups. Group 3 will use music for 2 weeks followed by a 1-week break followed by music embedded with theta/delta BBF for 2 weeks. Group 4 will do the reverse. Using Cohort 1 music only as a control, data will be collected using sleep actigraphy, sleep quality questionnaires, and sleep diaries with a crossover and match group analysis between cohorts to compare the effect of no intervention vs. music vs. BBF only vs. music with BBF on sleep quality. Discussion: Phase 1 concluded that theta BBF was able to decrease stress to help induce sleep. Phase 2 will assess if theta and delta BBFs, with breaks to allow for REM, will be able to sustain sleep to improve sleep efficiency. The data from Phase 1 and 2 will provide information to help construct an all-night audio program with the appropriate BBF and timing to trigger the correct sleep stage for better sleep efficiency. If this concept is feasible, it could be beneficial for many sleep disorders.
RESUMO
PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of embedded theta brainwave frequency in music using binaural beat technology (BBT) compared to music alone on the cardiovascular stress response in military service members with postdeployment stress. DESIGN: A double-blinded, randomized, pre- and postintervention trial. METHODS: Seventy-four military services members with complaint of postdeployment stress were randomized to either music with BBT or music alone. Each group listened to their respective intervention for a minimum of 30 min at bedtime for three consecutive nights a week for a total of 4 weeks. A 20-min pre- and postintervention heart rate variability (HRV) stress test and daily perceived stress via diaries assessed intervention efficacy. FINDINGS: There was a statistical difference (p = .01) in low-frequency HRV between the music with BBT group compared to the music only group. The average low-frequency HRV decreased in the music with BBT group 2.5 ms2 /Hz, while in the music only group it increased 7.99 ms2 /Hz. There was also a significant difference (p = .01) in the high-frequency HRV measures, with the music with BBT group showing an increase in HRV by 2.5 ms2 /Hz compared to the music only group, which decreased by 7.64 ms2 /Hz. There were significant (p = .01) differences found in total power measures, with the music only group decreasing by 1,113.64 ms2 /Hz compared to 26.68 ms2 /Hz for the music with BBT group. Finally, daily diaries consistently showed that participants who used BBT reported less stress over the course of the 4 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: When placed under an acute stressor, participants who used music with embedded BBT showed a decrease in sympathetic responses and an increase in parasympathetic responses, while participants who used music alone had the opposite effect. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of BBT in the theta brainwave frequency embedded into music decreases physical and psychological indications of stress. BBT embedded with beta and delta frequencies may improve cognitive functioning and sleep quality, respectively.
