The effect of auditory stimulation using delta binaural beat for a better sleep and post-sleep mood: A pilot study

BACKGROUND: Although previous evidence confirms the effects of sleep deprivation on mental health and wellbeing, due to the interaction effects of sleep and mood on each other, the influence of sleep improvement has received less attention. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to find whether binaural beat technology can enhance sleep quality and thus post-sleep mood. METHODS: Twenty healthy students participated in this pilot study. All subjects were investigated for two weeks (a baseline week and an experimental week). In the first week, there was no intervention, but in the second week, all subjects were exposed to a 90 min binaural beat in the delta frequency range. The individuals’ sleep was monitored for two weeks using a sleep diary form, and a Profile of Mood State questionnaire was employed to assess their mood at the end of the first and second weeks. RESULTS: Auditory stimulation with delta binaural beat enhanced sleep parameters such as sleep failure, the number of awakenings, real duration of sleep, sleep quality, and feeling following the waking of the individuals. Finally, students’ moods improved by reducing anxiety and anger, but other mood parameters did not indicate a significant difference. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study confirmed that auditory stimulation with a delta binaural beat seems to be a low-cost and alternative method for medicine and other treatment methods with side effects. APPLICATION: This study demonstrates the use of technology with a neuroergonomics approach to improve sleep and mood disorders.