INSOMNIA: ENTRAPMENT OF BINAURAL AUDITORY BEATS ON SUBJECTS WITH INSOMNIA SYMPTOMS

Abstract Introduction It has been reported that binaural beat stimulation, which has two different frequencies on both ears, is effective in increasing alertness, memory, reducing anxiety, and controlling mood. This study aims to clarify the brain wave entrainment effect of binaural beat and to identify the mechanism of action of the binaural beat. Methods Subjects with subclinical insomnia symptoms between 20 and 59 years of age were recruited from the community. Quantitative electroencephalography (EEG) was measured two times before and after the 2 weeks of binaural beat intervention period. An audio apparatus without the distortion of a sound source is set with theta (6 Hz) binaural beat. Participants used the apparatus for 30 minutes before going to bed for 2 weeks. Results When the music with binaural beat was played, the relative power of theta frequency increased (occipital, P=0.009). When the music only was played in the laboratory, the relative power of delta (temporal, P=0.004; parietal, P=0.005; occipital, P=0.006) and theta frequency (temporal, P=0.004; central, P=0.001; parietal, P=0.001; occipital, P=0.003) increased and the relative power of alpha decreased (frontal, P=0.008; temporal, P=0.012; central, P=0.008; parietal, P=0,004; occipital, P=0.005). After listening to music with binaural beat for two weeks, the difference of beta power before and after listening to music first in the laboratory was lower than the difference after using music-only devices (P=0.008). Conclusion When the binaural beat was played, the entrapment of theta wave appeared. And the music was presumed to have a nonspecific relaxation effect. After exposure to music with binaural beat for 2 weeks, beta power decreased compared to exposure to music alone. Continuous music with binaural beat exposure for 2 weeks is likely to reduce hyper-arousal state and contribute to sleep induction. Support None