Looking for a fun way to boost your health? Playing musical instruments is a great way to sharpen your memory and improve your social life. But did you also know that playing an instrument can mean more zzzs? Instruments with soothing sounds relieve stress, which can help prepare your mind for bed. Read on to discover a list of recommended instrument picks.
Why Quality Sleep Matters
Missing out on quality shuteye harms your health and everyday life in several ways. Without enough sleep, we’re more likely to get sick, have poor heart health, and have low energy levels. Sleep deprivation is even linked to car accidents (drowsy driving).
Quality sleep means going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, sleeping for 7-9 hours, and keeping your bedroom cool and dark at night.
Hit the Hay with These Dreamy Instruments
Take your sleep routine to the next level with the 5 soothing musical instruments below.
1. Crystal Bowl
Made of quartz crystal, the crystal bowl is played using a wand or a mallet. When its rim is rubbed, it produces a continuous harmonious sound.
2. Rain Stick
Love the sound of rain falling? Then the rain stick is for you. The rain stick is a hollow tube filled with little beads. When the rain stick is tilted, these little beads fall through a series of obstacles, emitting a sound similar to rain falling.
3. Kalimba
The kalimba is a wooden instrument about the size of a tablet. It has multiple metal tines that you pluck with your thumbs. The kalimba produces a soft, music-box-like sound.
4. Djembe
Looking for an instrument with a bit of rhythm? Striking the center of the djembe drum produces deep bass tones.
5. Native American Flute
The Native American flute is about as peaceful and meditative as it gets. As a bonus for relieving stress, playing this instrument requires deep breathing.
When to Consider a Doctor
Consult with your doctor if the listed instruments didn’t help with your stress and your stress is keeping you up at night.
Nighty-Night
While stress can get in the way of getting enough sleep, playing a relaxing instrument can make all the difference in making it to Dreamland.
Looking for more ways to improve your sleep? Check out, “Sound Slumber: 6 Sleep Devices to Try.”
