Operational Study to Evaluate Music-Based Neurotraining at Improving Sleep Quality, Mood, and Daytime Function in a First Responder Population

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine if a music-based intervention could be successfully used by a group of law enforcement officers and firefighters to improve measures of sleep quality, mood, and daytime function. The Wellness Program Study included 41 male and female first responders who volunteered to participate in the 8-week study investigating the use of a music-based neurofeedback therapy known as Brain Music (BM). Creating the individualized BM recordings required 5 min of brain wave activity from 4 sensors located at F3, F4, C3 and C4 sites. The music consisted of two MP3 files, one for activating and the other for relaxing, where the ratios of peak frequencies in the delta (1–4 Hz) through beta (up to 30 Hz) EEG bands were used to select the notes used and their characteristics (e.g., duration, pitch, amplitude, and symmetry) as a means to individualize the compositions for each subject. Results of the study indicated statistically significant improvements in 4 behavioral measures: sleep quality (94%), insomnia (89%), mood (74%), and daytime function (82%). These results extend earlier insomnia research of music therapy applications from the clinic into an operational setting and lay the groundwork to address many questions concerning neurofeedback interventions targeting stress management and improved job performance. The implication of this study goes beyond the utility of BM in the first responder setting to a broader audience because many persons suffer from sleep problems that negatively impact daytime function and work performance.

Acknowledgments

Support for the Wellness Program Study described in this article was provided by the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate under Contract Number HSHQDC-08-C-00108. We thank Ms. Mary Margaret Walker for her dedicated assistance in the collection and preparation of data for this publication.

Notes

Note. The self-report instruments were filled out on three separate occasions by each subject; at the initial meeting (baseline [Bl]), 4 weeks later when they picked up their Brain Music (Pre), and after using the Brain Music compositions for 4 weeks (Post).

Note. Bl = baseline.

Note. Average gains reported for the significant assessments: sleep quality (94.2%, P < .001), insomnia (89.2%, P < .001), mood (74.2%, P < .001), and daytime function negatives (82.5%, P < .004). Ops = operations.

¹(Weaknesses) fatigue, irritability, emotional vulnerability, headache, muscle tension, and startle response.

²(Strengths) concentration, energy level, work productivity, home task completion, interest in sex, and social activities.

Note. Ops = operations.