Drumming Your Way to Restful Sleep

Sleep problems can be a nightmare to deal with, especially when sleep is such an important part of our days. Because of issues with sleep disturbances, sleep apnea, insomnia and more, it can seem like the idea of sleeping like a baby is truly left to those who live carefree lives. Since stress and anxiety are such factors in the ability to get a good night’s sleep, the natural benefits of music, rhythm and drumming could be just the lullaby needed to sleep like a baby and wake up refreshed and ready to face the day.

Stress and anxiety are major causes of sleep issues, especially insomnia. Insomnia can come in many forms – from the inability to fall asleep at night, or, the inability to stay asleep if the brain suddenly comes back to life in the middle of a sleep cycle. Drumming and rhythm help to reduce or eliminate the “out of sync” rhythms of the mind and body that occur when anxiety and stress are present. Through rhythm, the brain is able to return to a more natural, less panicked state, and with the action of drumming, that energy is physically released, instead of internalized. Reducing or eliminating those feelings helps us relax, naturally, not to mention the exertion of a really active drumming session will just make a person tired – physically and mentally.

Drumming is also used in a wide range of meditation practices, helping to quiet the mind through the progression of the rhythm. In this sense a person’s mind attaches to the beat that is played, allowing for an exploration of the subconscious mind and the ability to shed the concerns of the moment to find peace within. Listening to the same type of drumming and rhythm can assist a person drift off softly to sleep, and provide a much-needed and relaxed state of mind.

While drumming may seem counter-intuitive to a night of restful slumber, there are certain benefits that may be gained by playing a djembe or bongos prior to sleeping, or even listening to the beat before bed. Music has always been a way to encourage health and wellness, and it is the rhythm of a song that can make sleep a much more attainable and productive experience for the sleepless among us.