New research reveals links between music and body

A report combined the work of Dr David Lewis of Mindlab International with research of 3,000 respondents in the UK, Germany and Hungary.

It covers 10 different reactions to music, including increasing memory function, feelings of happiness and the power to slow or speed up someone’s heart rate.

According to the data, music is helpful when falling asleep asleep – with Vivaldi’s peaceful Four Seasons cited as particularly effective. It can also trigger the ‘fight or flight’ reaction: when the right music is played, the heart rate increases, pupils dilate, and blood is redirected into the legs as a brain region known as the cerebellum is activated.

When humans listen to energising music but are not in a position for ‘fight or flight’, the intensity of feelings produced are interpreted by the body as being caused by excitement and pleasure.

Dr David Lewis of Mindlab International said: 'Sad music can help us through tough times. The most intense emotional responses, whether of happiness or sadness, were found to occur when one tune contrasts emotionally with that heard immediately before it.

'The next time you want to be uplifted and re-energised by music, create a musical sandwich. Play a song that saddens you right before one that makes you cheerful, positive and optimistic - that way the power of the uplifting track will prove even more impactful.'

For the full report click here.