Do Binaural Beats Really Work? Uncovering the Science & the Benefits
There are a lot of claims about binaural beats. Are they all true?
Do binaural beats actually work?
Binaural beats, often heralded as the key to serenity, have surged in popularity in recent years.
But, amid the promises of inner peace, one question persists:
Do binaural beats really work?
Great question! Let’s uncover whether this unique sound therapy lives up to the hype.
Here is the actual science behind binaural beats and their benefits.
How do binaural beats work?
When two slightly different frequencies of sound combine, they create a humming vibration. And when you listen to this vibration in headphones?
It creates a fascinating auditory perception called binaural beats.
Instead of processing the sound via the auditory cortex? The entire brain works in unison to create calm brain waves.
Similar to ones you produce during relaxation, deep meditation and sleep.
For example, when you listen to a vibration of 10 Hz, your brain will produce brain waves of 10 Hz or Alpha brain waves.
Helping you feel relaxed and blissful. Effortlessly.
What are the benefits of binaural beats?
Binaural beats may have a range of benefits. Including:
- staying focused and alert
- waking up feeling refreshed
- reducing stress and anxiety
- switching off a busy brain so you can relax & unwind
- helping you fall asleep fast and have restful sleep
They might even make you feel more positive and boost your mood.
While not a replacement for medical care, binaural beats may even offer pain relief.
However, their effectiveness can differ from person to person.
Binaural beat research
The latest meta-analysis of binaural beat research concluded that results “appear to be largely inconclusive”.
This is because many experiments were measuring different effects, which made it difficult to compare results.
However, some scientific studies have indicated potential benefits of binaural beats, including:
Stress Reduction: Research has suggested that binaural beats in the theta range can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation
Enhanced Cognitive Function: Binaural beats may improve cognitive functions like memory, attention, and problem-solving for better focus and concentration
Mood Regulation: Binaural beats have been associated with mood enhancement and might help you feel happier and more positive.
Pain Management: Binaural beats may help reduce anxiety and pain during medical procedures.
Binaural beats may help some people, but more research is needed to understand how well they work.
While science shows they can be beneficial, binaural beats shouldn’t be used as a replacement for medical care to treat serious health problems.
It’s best to use binaural beats in conjunction with other treatments.
Are binaural beats safe to use?
Binaural beats are a form of auditory entrainment. Which means they influence brain activity when heard in headphones.
There is clear evidence that visual entrainment such as strobe lights can increase the likelihood of seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy.
Audio-visual entrainment can also increase the likelihood of seizures.
However, there is no clear evidence that auditory entrainment alone such as binaural beats can cause seizures.
One study found that audio entrainment is much weaker than visual entrainment.
Therefore, it is suggested that binaural beats are safe even for people with epilepsy.
There is also some clinical evidence that binaural beats lower seizure activity.
However, if you have a history of seizures and are concerned, please speak with your doctor before using binaural beats.
How are meditones® different to binaural beats?
At Restful, we combine binaural beats with beautiful ambient music, to create meditones.
Because they’re tones that give you the benefits of deep meditation without any of the effort.
While the jury may be out about the effectiveness of binaural beats? Many benefits of music have been scientifically proven over the years.
Stress Relief: Listening to music activates the parasympathetic nervous system and reduces the stress response
Increased focus: Research has found that complex music enhanced the performance of simple tasks
Assisting ADHD: Having music on in the background can help you focus better even with ADHD
Pain relief: Various studies have shown music may help relieve both acute pain and chronic pain
Combining binaural beats with beautiful music makes meditones the perfect tool for feeling calm & restful. Anytime, anywhere.
How can I use the Restful app in my daily life?
The Restful app is a growing library of meidtones.
It can be used any time of the day when you want to feel calm and refreshed.
However, some meditones tracks are better than others for certain uses.
Sleep & Insomnia
Theta and Delta binaural beats can help reduce insomnia because they mimic the natural sleep waves your brain produces.
You can listen to Restful while you’re lying in bed, either
- before you go to sleep, or
- to return to sleep if you wake in the middle of the night.
We even have a curated Sleep Playlist for you.
Stress & Anxiety
You could listen to Theta and Delta binaural beats when you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed.
These can help slow down your brain waves, soothe your nervous system and calm your mind.
You can listen to Restful:
- after work or a stressful day
- during the day instead of a nap
- in the evening to wind down before bed
We even have a curated Anxiety Playlist for you.
Calm Focus
Alpha brain waves help you feel relaxed without getting too sleepy.
They are naturally dominant when you’re daydreaming or practicing mindfulness.
You can listen to Restful while:
- On a morning walk
- Sitting up for a focused meditation
- Sitting on public transport to help calm travel anxiety
- Lying in bed, eyes open, to help you wake up feeling refreshed
You can easily filter for Alpha tracks on the Explore page.
Takeaway
Binaural beats offer potential benefits, but their effectiveness varies among individuals, and more research is needed.
Instead, we recommend using meditones for a more powerful effect.
By combining binaural beats and beautiful ambient music you can achieve greater calm and restfulness.
Access a growing library of meditones with the Restful app. Download for free on Google Play or the App Store today!
Any health information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on our Site. Any use of meditones is always at your own risk.