Music has been shown to have various positive impacts on human health across numerous studies. Here's a list of some ways music positively influences health, supported by scholarly sources:
Stress Reduction: Music has been found to reduce stress levels in individuals. Research suggests that listening to music can lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress, and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and tension. (Source: Thoma, M.V. et al. "The effect of music on the human stress response." PLoS ONE, 2013)
Pain Management: Music therapy has been effective in reducing pain perception among patients undergoing medical procedures, post-surgery recovery, or those suffering from chronic pain conditions. It can distract patients from pain sensations and promote relaxation. (Source: Cepeda, M.S. et al. "Music for pain relief." Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2015)
Enhanced Mood: Listening to music has been linked to improved mood and emotional well-being. Certain types of music can induce feelings of happiness, calmness, or nostalgia, leading to a more positive outlook on life. (Source: Juslin, P.N. and Sloboda, J.A. "Music and Emotion: Theory and Research." Oxford University Press, 2001)
Cognitive Function: Music engagement has shown positive effects on cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and executive function. Playing musical instruments or engaging in musical activities can stimulate various regions of the brain, contributing to cognitive development and maintenance. (Source: Bugos, J.A. et al. "Effects of Rhythm and Music on Cognitive Functioning in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review." Neuropsychology Review, 2017)
Improved Sleep Quality: Listening to calming music before bedtime has been found to improve sleep quality and duration in individuals with insomnia or sleep disorders. Music promotes relaxation and can serve as a natural aid for achieving better sleep. (Source: Harmat, L. et al. "Music improves sleep quality in students." Journal of Advanced Nursing, 2008)
Social Bonding: Music often serves as a social activity, bringing people together and fostering connections. Participating in music-making activities, such as singing in choirs or playing in bands, promotes social cohesion and a sense of belonging, which are important for mental health. (Source: Tarr, B. and Launay, J. "Music and Social Bonding: 'Self-Other' Merging and Neurohormonal Mechanisms." Frontiers in Psychology, 2014)
Physical Rehabilitation: Music therapy is increasingly utilized in physical rehabilitation settings to aid in motor skills development, coordination, and movement rehabilitation. Rhythmic auditory cues provided by music can facilitate the relearning of movements in individuals with motor impairments. (Source: Thaut, M.H. "Rhythm, Music, and the Brain: Scientific Foundations and Clinical Applications." Routledge, 2005)
Emotional Regulation: Music can aid in emotional regulation by providing a means for individuals to express and process their feelings. Whether through listening to music that resonates with their emotions or creating music as a form of self-expression, individuals can find solace and catharsis in music, which can contribute to emotional well-being. (Source: Gold, C. et al. "Individual music therapy for depression: randomised controlled trial." The British Journal of Psychiatry, 2011)
Coping with Trauma: Music therapy has been shown to be effective in helping individuals cope with trauma and PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). By engaging in music-making activities or listening to carefully selected music, individuals can work through traumatic experiences, reduce symptoms of distress, and regain a sense of control and empowerment. (Source: Baker, F.A. et al. "Music therapy for military populations with trauma-related psychological injuries: A systematic review and meta-analysis." Military Behavioral Health, 2015)
Enhanced Immune Function: Some research suggests that listening to music may have positive effects on immune function. While the mechanisms are not entirely understood, it is proposed that music-induced relaxation and stress reduction can indirectly support immune system function, contributing to overall health and well-being. (Source: Kreutz, G. "Does singing facilitate social bonding?" Music Medicine, 2014)
Stroke Recovery: Music therapy has been shown to aid in stroke rehabilitation by promoting motor recovery, speech and language rehabilitation, and emotional well-being. Techniques such as rhythmic auditory stimulation and melodic intonation therapy harness the inherent rhythmic and melodic elements of music to facilitate neuroplasticity and functional recovery post-stroke. (Source: Schneider, S. et al. "The effect of music-supported therapy on motor, cognitive, and psychosocial functions in chronic stroke." Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 2009)
Improved Quality of Life for Dementia Patients: Music therapy has been widely used to improve the quality of life for individuals with dementia. Music can evoke memories, stimulate cognitive function, and provide emotional comfort to dementia patients, reducing agitation and behavioral symptoms while enhancing social interaction and communication. (Source: Raglio, A. et al. "Effects of music therapy on psychological symptoms and heart rate variability in patients with dementia." Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2015)
This list isn't comprehensive by any means, but it should provide you with a starting point to your own research about how music can positively impact lives. I hope it was helpful and inspiring!