Music as healing in ICU survivors: The road ahead in seeking the right tone

The concept of music therapy is not new, and in recent years, its role
as a therapeutic intervention has garnered significant attention for its
potential to promote health and wellbeing in general adult population
[4] and aid in the healing process in trauma patients [5]. By listening to
music, singing, or playing an instrument, music can stimulate various brain regions [4]. This process affects the brain at the cortical level, which is involved in memory and attention, as well as the limbic and paralimbic systems, which play key roles in emotion management. Additionally, it impacts vital signs and modulates neurochemical systems such as dopamine, opioid, serotonin, cortisol, and oxytocin. These neurochemicals are associated with motivations, reward, pleasure, pain, stress, arousal levels, the immune system, and even social attitude.
Music can be a powerful healing instrument that might change perceived levels of anxiety through meaningful sounds occupying brain channels instead of stressful ICU surrounding noises. Brain overstimulation and worrisome thoughts might benefit from relaxing sounds of music.
Although music-based interventions have demonstrated potential in improving outcomes related to anxiety, delirium, pain, need for sedation, and sleep disturbances during ICU admission a knowledge gap exists regarding their applicability and effectiveness in the post-ICU period. [...]