Music listening for improvement of sleep in post-acute rehabilitation of adults with acquired brain injury: A feasibility study

Introduction: Acquired brain injury (ABI) often leads to sleep disturbances impacting recovery. Previous research has shown that listening to music at bedtime can have a beneficial effect on sleep quality in various populations, but the impact of bedtime music on sleep problems related to ABI has not been studied. This feasibility study investigates the acceptability and effectiveness of music listening for sleep improvement in ABI patients. Methods: In a within-subjects crossover design with repeated measures for 28 days, ABI patients with sleep disturbance were allocated to a control or music condition, switching conditions after 14 days. Acceptability was assessed with questionnaires on compliance and attrition. The effect was evaluated with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) at baseline, day 14 and 28, daily sleep ratings, and actigraphy. Results: The intervention was well-liked, and participants listened to the music most of the intervention nights. A descriptive statistical comparison of outcome data on PSQI and daily sleep ratings regarding how well participants slept indicated that participants (n = 4) experienced better sleep with the music intervention. The objective sleep measures reflected a slightly longer time to fall asleep with the music intervention. Discussion: The results suggest good acceptability and a potential beneficial effect of the intervention. Music listening may be a safe and effective tool, and a full RCT is recommended to evaluate the efficacy of music listening for sleep improvement in ABI patients. https://www.clinicaltrials.gov, Identification number: NCT05620069.