Soothing sounds may soothe ICU stress: music therapy tested on ventilated patients

NCT ID NCT06120660

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether a single 60-minute session of relaxing music (60-80 bpm) played through headphones could reduce stress and inflammation in 110 sedated adults on breathing machines in the ICU. Researchers measured stress hormones and inflammatory markers in blood before and after the music. The goal was to see if music can help calm the body's stress response in critically ill patients.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

relaxing recorded music (60-80 bpm) delivered through headphones

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a simple, drug-free way to lower stress and inflammation in critically ill patients on breathing machines.

What could go wrong

This is a small, single-session study with 110 patients. The music was played only once, so long-term effects are unknown. Results may not apply to all ICU patients.

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This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Critical Illness Inflammation inflammatory disease Respiratory Aspiration Stress, Psychological

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias

    Oviedo, Principality of Asturias, 33011, Spain