Effects of acoustic neurostimulation in healthy adults on symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress and sleep quality: a randomized clinical study

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the application of an acoustic neurostimulation program with binaural beats and isochronic tones isolated or in association, and its effects on sleep, depression, anxiety, and stress in healthy workers. Methods: A randomized, single-blind, parallel-group clinical trial, using acoustic neurostimulation with binaural beats, isochronic tones, or a combination of these in the 10 Hz range (alpha) performed with daily 20-minute sessions for 21 days. Changes in brainwave patterns were assessed by electroencephalogram (EEG). Psycho-emotional state was assessed with the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 Items (DASS-21), and sleep quality with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). In addition, salivary cortisol levels were evaluated as a biomarker of stress. Results: The data revealed distinct patterns of brainwave modulation via brainwave entrainment (BWE) techniques. Binaural beats and isochronic tones, alone and in combination, effectively increased alpha brainwaves in the temporoparietal region. However, when assessing theta brainwave frequencies in the same region, only binaural beats showed a significant effect. Furthermore, in the prefrontal cortex, an elevation in beta waves was exclusively observed with the use of binaural beats. These findings underscore the specificity of BWE techniques on different brainwave frequencies and regions. The study demonstrated marked improvements in several symptoms related to stress, depression, anxiety, assessed by psychometry with DASS-21 and related to sleep quality assessed by the PSQI. Conclusions: These results indicate that 10 Hz acoustic neurostimulation in the alpha range, whether through binaural beats, isochronic tones, or a combination of both, can significantly influence brainwave patterns and intensity. Notably, participants exhibited decrease in symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety, coupled with improved sleep quality. These data suggest that alpha acoustic neurostimulation holds promise as an effective intervention for bolstering mood, mental health, and overall emotional well-being [Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (ReBec, ensaiosclinicos.gov.br) identifier: RBR-10yj42dj].