GANESHA MEDICINA
Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026)

Systematic Review: The Effectiveness of Music Therapy in Improving Sleep Quality in Insomnia Patients

Riska Ramadona (Bachelor of Medicine Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha, Buleleng, Bali, Indonesia)
Ni Luh Putu Pranena Sastri (Bachelor of Medicine Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha, Buleleng, Bali, Indonesia)
I Gede Yogi Lingga Pradipa (Bachelor of Medicine Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha, Buleleng, Bali, Indonesia)
Sarah Angie Sihotang (Bachelor of Medicine Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha, Buleleng, Bali, Indonesia)
I Putu Esa Ika Putra Juni Artana (Bachelor of Medicine Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha, Buleleng, Bali, Indonesia)
I Made Bagus Krishna Wiguna (Bachelor of Medicine Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha, Buleleng, Bali, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
04 Apr 2026

Abstract

Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, or waking too early and being unable to return to sleep. It negatively affects quality of life, cognitive function, and increases the risk of mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. Music therapy, as non-pharmacological approach, is increasingly used due to its safety, minimal side effects, and potential effecttiveness in improving sleep quality. However, its efficacy and underlying mechanisms require further investigation. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of music therapy in improving sleep quality among individuals with insomnia, understand its mechanisms of action, and identify the most effective music types for therapeutic use. Literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar with the keywords “insomnia” OR “sleep disorders” OR “sleep disturbances” AND “music therapy” AND “sleep quality” focusing on studies published between 2015-2025. From 2.073 articles, 11 met inclusions criteria based on PRISMA guidelines. The analysis covered study design, sample, intervention, measurement tools, and outcomes. Music therapy significantly improved sleep quality based on PSQI and ISI scores. Instrumental music without lyrics and with a slow tempo (60-80 bpm) was the most effective in enchancing sleep duration, latency, and quality. Mechanisms include reduced sympathetic nervous activity, enchanced relaxation, and regulation of serotonin and dopamine. Music therapy is an effective non-pharmacological and clinically feasible complementary therapy. Further RCT-based research with objective measures is needed to examine its long-term impact.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

GM

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology Public Health

Description

Ganesha Medicina Journal is open access; double-blinded peer-reviewed journal aiming to communicate high-quality research articles, case report, reviews and general articles in the field. Ganesha Medicina Journal publish articles that encompass all aspects of basic research/clinical studies related ...