Role of sound healing in managing sleep disorders: a systematic literature review

The current systematic literature review (SLR) examined the impact of sound healing techniques as non-pharmacological interventions for sleep disorders, analyzing research published between 2000 and 2024. It discussed current management approaches that mostly depend on cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacological treatments, which may not be effective for all patients. The review emphasized the increasing interest in alternative therapies, such as sound healing, which includes methods like Tibetan singing bowls, music therapy, and ambient soundscapes. These methods function through mechanisms like promoting relaxation and brainwave entrainment as well as reducing anxiety, which are common contributors to sleep disturbances. The synthesis of data reveals significant improvements in sleep quality among individuals using sound healing, with researchers indicating enhanced overall sleep quality compared to the control group, characterized by reduced sleep onset latency. Remarkably, longer periods of sound exposure result in more pronounced benefits. The present study revealed gaps in existing research, including the lack of long-term studies to validate the effectiveness of sound healing interventions and the need for standardized protocols. Lastly, the outcome suggests further investigation is needed to adopt sound healing practices in clinical settings, enhancing patients’ outcomes in managing sleep disorders and providing promising complement to conventional treatment methods. Singing bowls are musical instruments, typically metal or crystal bowls that produce resonant sounds and vibrations when struck or rubbed with a mallet, used for meditation, relaxation and sound healing due to their calming effects.Mantra repetition is the practice of repeatedly saying or thinking a sacred sound, word, or phrase (a mantra) to focus the mind, create specific vibrations and achieve mental benefits like peace, clarity or connection.Chanting is a rhythmical repetition (either silently or aloud) of a song, prayer, word or sound. It is one of the most ancient spiritual practices and a part of most religions and spiritual paths.A didgeridoo is a traditional Aboriginal Australian wind instrument, a long wooden tube producing deep, resonant drone sounds by vibrating the player’s lips, often using circular breathing for continuous notes, and traditionally used in ceremonies, storytelling and connecting with nature. Singing bowls are musical instruments, typically metal or crystal bowls that produce resonant sounds and vibrations when struck or rubbed with a mallet, used for meditation, relaxation and sound healing due to their calming effects. Mantra repetition is the practice of repeatedly saying or thinking a sacred sound, word, or phrase (a mantra) to focus the mind, create specific vibrations and achieve mental benefits like peace, clarity or connection. Chanting is a rhythmical repetition (either silently or aloud) of a song, prayer, word or sound. It is one of the most ancient spiritual practices and a part of most religions and spiritual paths. A didgeridoo is a traditional Aboriginal Australian wind instrument, a long wooden tube producing deep, resonant drone sounds by vibrating the player’s lips, often using circular breathing for continuous notes, and traditionally used in ceremonies, storytelling and connecting with nature.