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Study: The effect of the e-Health app SonicTonic on Students

Together with the Neurologist, Professor Dr. med Yong-Seun Chang-Gusko, Professor of Health and Social Management at the FOM School of Economics & Management in Hamburg, Germany, we conducted a study to measure the efficacy of the e-Health app SonicTonic on a group of students. The questionnaire was developed by the SonicTonic team and consisted of a pre and post test to collect personal and app-based data. The users received a coupon code, which allowed free access to the app, and they were encouraged to use the appropriate sound programmes when they wanted to sleep or relax. The duration of the study was 1 month.

Subjects Data:

  • Number of participants: 16
  • Gender: Predominantly female
  • Age: 21 – 25 years old
  • Interests: music, lifestyle, medicine
  • Main problems: sleep disorders and stress

 

The test group proved to be balanced and felt confident about using technical equipment. Additionally, they were interested in the possible influence of sound on body and mind. The collected data from both before and after the test was  compiled into an efficacy trial for SonicTonic. Our hypothesis was that the application would alleviate sleep problems, reduce stress and generally improve the user’s quality of life.

The results of this study are presented on the basis of a persona profile:

Julia Meier, female student, 22 years old from Hamburg, had not previously used a sound or music therapy app before SonicTonic. After using the app once or twice a week, she reported an improvement in sleep and relaxation. She was enthusiastic about the simple and practical handling of the app, and found the SonicTonic website informative. She particularly found the Knowledge Pyramid interesting and helpful.

Overall, the hypothesis of the effectiveness of SonicTonic as an e-health application can be positively confirmed. The generated profile, which accounts for approximately 60% of the entire test group, not only shows the high significance of the correlation between sound and sleep, but also the increasing role of e-health in our healthcare system. Comments indicated both psychological and neurological effects.

The physiological response is seen as a memory-based reaction to a piece of music or a music style that triggers an existing association to a place, thought or experience.

A neurological response is one that is triggered by the properties of a sound itself and not any pre–existing associations. Examples of this are the Brainwave Entrainment techniques used in SonicTonic, such as Binaural Beats or Brain Hemisphere Stimulation.

SonicTonic is not considered to be just a sleep app, but more an auditory mental hygiene tool for promoting a more effective life. The study used only Tonics to reduce stress and promote sleep and did not include Tonics for stimulating learning and increasing productivity and focus. This area will be studied at a later date.

 

Conclusion

Using sound and music to intentionally bring positive change may not be a new territory at first glance, but the concept of mixing together a number of existing techniques was considered to be somewhat of an innovation. The student’s data suggested that, by integrating Receptive Sound Therapy into their everyday life, the users are capable of improving social practices, such as work and sleep routine or dealing with anxiety and stress in general – and this as little as just a couple sessions weekly. The convenience of SonicTonic being a mobile application and the short session duration of only 10 minutes allowed the students a seamless integration into their routines – highly recommending the easy-to-use attitude. Especially interesting is the finding that the different auditory techniques (ingredients) have been considered to be “effective”.

Further research on the combination of these techniques is recommended to conclude possible psychological and physical reaction on different age groups and social sectors.

 

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Specific sounds can control brain waves and help control stress and improve sleep

Brainwave entrainment is a good example of technology positively affecting biology to intentionally synchronize our brainwave frequencies with an external stimulus. In our case, this stimulus is sound. We use Brainwave Entrainment to align thought patterns for different purposes. For example, to improve sleep, feel less stressed and calm or be more focused. There are various technologies available such as Binaural Beats or Isochronic Tones, that are each described in detail in the Knowledge Pyramid on www.sonictonic.io. This article will tell you about the different types of brainwaves and what they do.

 

What is Brainwave Entrainment?

Brainwave entrainment is the synchronization of the two hemispheres in the brain. Therefore, brainwave entrainment is also referred to as hemispheric synchronization. Using technical methods, it is possible to influence and reconcile the brain waves. Sound waves for instance are nothing more than vibrations of air. These little waves pulsate in a certain rhythmical pattern, that is being adopted by the brain waves. Like stomping your foot to a beat that is being played.
If you are very tense and need to concentrate, your brain will work in the gamma frequency range at 40 Hz (40 cycles per second). The dreamless deep sleep phase takes place in the delta frequency band – your brain waves then oscillate between 0.1 and 4 Hz.
By specifically influencing the brainwaves, you can control the individual activities in the brain itself. These states can be initiated entirely without the aid of technical means. For example, if you want to relax, or go to bed: if you live well, you will come to sleep without any aids.

 

How does Brainwave technology work?

Stimulation of the brain waves causes certain states of consciousness. The brain is consciously directed to the appropriate work mode in which it works best.
It can be proven that brain waves can be influenced if you provide the brain with opportunities that it understands. Since the brain waves move in the frequency range between 0.1 and 40 Hz, it just needs these frequency bands to address the brain directly. Problem: Human hearing perceives sounds that range from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Outside this frequency range we cannot hear any frequencies. Brainwave technology, however, knows ways to circumvent this.

 

Firstly, it is important to know that humans display five different types of electrical patterns or “brainwaves” across the cortex. All brainwave entrainment increases the growth of new neural pathways, and improves the communication between the right and left hemispheres.

From high to low frequency, the brainwaves are:

Gamma 31 Hz -100 Hz, Beta 14 Hz -30 Hz, Alpha 9 Hz-13 Hz, Theta 4 Hz -8 Hz, and Delta 0 Hz – 4 Hz. The brainwaves can be observed with an EEG (“electroencephalograph”) – a tool that makes brainwave patterns visible.

Each brainwave has a specific purpose and allows for optimal mental functioning. Our brain’s ability to become flexible and to transition through the various brainwave frequencies plays a large role in how successful we are at managing stress, focusing on tasks, or getting a good night’s sleep.

If one of the five types of brainwaves is either overproduced or under produced in our brain, it can cause us problems. For this reason, it is important to understand that there is no single brainwave that is “better” or more “optimal” than the other. They all have their purpose at different times. By exposing ourselves to specific frequencies, we can influence the way we think and feel. Let’s take a look at the individual frequencies.

 

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  • Delta Waves |(0 Hz to 4 Hz) (Slowest)

 

These are the slowest recorded brain waves in human beings. They are found most often in infants as well as young children. As we age, we tend to produce less delta even during deep sleep. They are associated with the deepest levels of relaxation and restorative, healing sleep. They have also been found to be involved in unconscious bodily functions such as regulating heart beat and digestion. Adequate production of delta waves helps us feel completely rejuvenated after we wake up from a good night’s sleep. If there is abnormal delta activity, an individual may experience learning disabilities or have difficulties maintaining conscious awareness (such as in cases of brain injuries).

 

Lack of Delta Waves can cause: Inability to rejuvenate body, inability to revitalise the brain, poor sleep

 

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  • Theta Waves |4 Hz to 8 Hz (Slow)

 

Theta is the best state for memorisation and creativity. In the Theta state the brain activity has slowed below Alpha (at approximately 4-8 Hz) and an even greater connection occurs between the conscious and unconscious mind. It is here that intuition and spontaneity happen, and creative problem solving can be well-utilized. The Theta state is often suspected to be the resource of great artists and thinkers. If you need to memorise a lot of information – history, formulas, etc., Theta may be your best bet. Theta waves are connected to us experiencing and feeling deep and raw emotions. Too much theta activity may make people prone to bouts of depression and may make them “highly suggestible” based on the fact that they are in a deeply relaxed, semi-hypnotic state. Theta waves can help us to improve our intuition, creativity, and makes us feel more natural. They are also involved in restorative sleep and daydreaming. As long as Theta isn’t produced in excess during our waking hours, it is a very helpful brain wave range.

 

Lack of Theta Waves can cause: Anxiety, poor emotional awareness, stress

 

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  • Alpha | 9 Hz to 13 Hz (Moderate)

 

The Alpha state occurs when brain activity slows just below the normal waking state of Beta (14-30 Hz). In Alpha, the mind and body are relaxed but a level of focus is easily maintained. Modern brain science has shown that only 1 of 6 of our brain’s processing methods happen on the conscious level, so there is certainly a benefit in engaging the deeper parts of the brain, while taking in information. This frequency range bridges the gap between our conscious thinking and subconscious mind. In other words, alpha is the frequency range between beta and theta. It helps us calm down when necessary and promotes feelings of deep relaxation. If we become stressed, a phenomenon called “alpha blocking” may occur which involves excessive beta activity and very little alpha. Essentially the beta waves “block” out the production of alpha because we become too aroused. There is also a greater link between the conscious and subconscious mind in Alpha, meaning that while one is consciously learning, their brain is also unconsciously processing what one is learning.

 

Lack of Alpha Waves can cause: Anxiety, high stress, insomnia, OCD

 

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  • Beta 14 Hz to 30 Hz (High)

 

These are known as high frequency low amplitude brain waves that are commonly observed while we are awake. They are involved in conscious thought, logical thinking, and tend to have a stimulating affect. Having the right amount of beta waves allows us to focus and complete school or work-based tasks easily. Having too much beta may lead to us experiencing excessive stress and/or anxiety. The higher beta frequencies are associated with high levels of arousal. When you drink caffeine or have another stimulant, your beta activity will naturally increase. Think of these as being very fast brain waves that most people exhibit throughout the day in order to complete conscious tasks such as: critical thinking, writing, reading, and socialization.

 

Lack of Beta Waves can cause: ADHD, daydreaming, depression, poor cognition

 

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  • Gamma | 31 Hz to 100 Hz (Highest)

 

There is also great value in producing Gamma waves, as these, more than the other brainwaves, have been directly linked to increased IQ, enhanced cognitive function, and improved memory. If you need to learn something new, I would recommend Alpha, as the relaxed yet focused mental state will make it much easier to stay interested and process clearly. It also wouldn’t’t be a bad idea to listen to some Gamma brainwave entrainment audios on a semi-regular basis when one is not actually studying to help boost IQ and cognitive functioning. Gamma waves are involved in higher processing tasks as well as cognitive functioning. Gamma waves are important for learning, memory and information processing. It is thought that the 40 Hz gamma wave is important for the binding of our senses in regards to perception and are involved in learning new material. It has been found that individuals who are mentally challenged and have learning disabilities tend to have lower gamma activity than average.

 

Lack of Gamma Waves can cause: ADHD, depression, learning disabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

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How the Shape of Your Ears Affects What You Hear


An important affect of using SonicTonic is the altered state of consciousness that is experienced largely due to the movement of sound caused by panning, ASMR and virtual surround sound software. Interestingly, the experience and identification of positioning varies from person to person.  Neuroscientists from the International Laboratory for Brain, Music and Sound Research (BRAMS) at the University of Montreal have recently published a study in the Journal of neuroscience, examining the representation of vertical sound direction in the auditory cortex using an fMRI scanner, proving that what we hear is affected by the shape of our ears.



Source: The New York times (Veronique Greenwood) | Journal of neuroscience (Régis Trapeau and Marc Schönwiesner from the International Laboratory for Brain, Music and Sound Research (BRAMS)
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Music is one of the best methods to fall asleep

Sleep physician Prof. Jürgen Zulley: „Music is monotonous stimulation. And with that you sleep better. I think music is one of the best methods to fall asleep.“

Germany´s most known sleep physician Jürgen Zulley calls music the number one medicine for sleeping disorders. He recommends listening to quite and calming music while its necessary to focus on the sound. He says, that the monotone stimulation is prerequisite for falling asleep and important for it, to be restful. We created different Tonics that trigger these monotonous stimulations and help you with getting a good night sleep.

Source: Interview with sleep physician Prof. Jürgen Zulley 

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Mental illness is the leading cause of inability to work among women

With 20.1%, mental illness is the leading cause of inability to work among women.

 

As the DAK health report 2017 shows, psychological diseases present the largest part of the total cases of illness among women. Reasons for that can be biological, such as hormonal effects, psychosocial, for example education or the abundance of roles as mother, partner, employee, etc., or other specific stress aspects in a psychological, physical or sexual way.

 

Source: Gesund.at

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People are taking more sleep medications

Compared to 2010, almost twice as many employed people today take sleeping medications

According to the DAK Healthreport 2017, more than twice as many employees take sleeping medication than in 2010. These can negatively affect your health though, causing headaches, sickness or metabolic disturbances. Also, they change the sleep cycles by eliminating the R.E.M. sleep (Rapid Eye Movement), the dream phase, which is extremely important for a mental balance and relaxation.

 

Source:  DAK Healthreport 2017, Focus Magazin

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One in ten workers suffers from insomnia

One in ten workers suffers from particularly severe sleep disorders, so-called insomnia. That’s 60 percent more than in 2010.

 

The DAK health report 2017 shows that a shockingly high number of 80% of the 18 to 65 year olds says they struggle with falling asleep or sleeping through the night. Especially insomnia, particularly severe sleep disturbances, concerns every tenth employee and can also entail declining concentration and reduced mental performance.

 

Source: DAK Healthreport 2017

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Sleep disorders can have long-term psychological and physical consequences

“Sleep disorders can have long-term psychological and physical consequences like depression and confusion of breathing, heartbeat, hormones and other functions.”

 

Studies have shown that a growing number of people suffers from sleep disturbances, which can severely affect their health in terms of muscle tension, body temperature, metabolism and other functions. According to a study conducted by the University of Warwick and the University College London with 4600 men and women, especially for women the risk of a heart attack increases with a lack of sleep.

 

Source: Apotheken Umschau

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Music makes you happier

Canadian Researcher from the McGill University found that by listening to music, your brain releases dopamine, a “feel-good” neurotransmitter.

Music that moves us emotionally activates the “feel-good hormone” dopamine at the emotional networks of the brain. They are mainly in the lower part of the forebrain, directly above the eye socket. The dopamine inhibits the anxiety centers in the almond kernels. These almond-shaped structures are located on the left and right inside of the brain. Among other things, they process emotions such as fear and anger. If they are inhibited, another part of the brain, the hypothalamus, emits less stress hormones. As a result, the blood pressure drops, and the heartbeat calms down.

Source: Canada Research Chair (McGill University), McGill Study Film 

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80% of employees suffer from stress

Listening to music you enjoy decreases levels of the stress hormone cortisol in your body, which counteracts the effects of chronic stress.

Stress is something we all experience at times. It can help us when we are in danger, preparing the body for facing every type of demand or danger by aiming all functions at survival. Long-term stress on the other hand, caused at work or during unusual stages of life, can lead to serious mental and physical diseases and should not be ignored or downplayed. This kind of Stress Level is constantly increasing these days and more than 80% of Employees suffer from it. For preventing and healing Stress it is important to take time for relaxation and breathing. SonicTonic developed a method, that reduces stress receptively, trough sound therapy in short sections. They help the body to calm instantly and prevent short-term stress from turning into long-term stress.

Source: DAK Gesundheitsbericht 2010, psyGA Praxisordner, Apotheken Umschau, www.muenchener-institut.de, www.raus-aus-dem-stress.com, powered by www.dkv.com, www.lavita.de, gesundheit-daten-fakten.de

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