Effect of Tomatis Auditory Stimulation on Insomnia in Perimenopausal Women

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the effect of Tomatis music therapy in improving perimenopausal insomnia. METHODS: This study included perimenopausal women visiting a tertiary obstetrics and gynaecology hospital from January 2024 to December 2024, screening for those with a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score >7 and a Spiegel Sleep Inventory (SPIEGEL) clinical self-rating score over 12 points. The 120 eligible patients were divided into three groups on the basis of previous treatment: routine nursing (control group 1, n = 41), standard music therapy (control group 2, n = 42) and Tomatis music therapy (Tomatis group, n = 37). Outcomes, such as PSQI, SPIEGEL, modified Kupperman scale, Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and safety, were compared across groups. RESULTS: Following the treatment method, a significant reduction in PSQI scores was found in all groups compared with baseline, with the greatest improvement observed in the Tomatis group (P < 0.001). Similarly, the SPIEGEL scores declined significantly in the control and Tomatis groups, though the latter demonstrated superior outcomes (P < 0.001). The modified Kupperman scale scores decreased markedly across all groups, with the most pronounced reduction observed in the Tomatis group (P < 0.001). Additionally, the post-treatment MRS scores were significantly lower than the pre-treatment values in all groups, with the Tomatis group achieving the lowest scores (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Tomatis sound therapy is associated with improved sleep quality in perimenopausal women with insomnia, relief from menopausal symptoms and enhanced overall well-being.