The effect of therapeutic music playlists as a sleep aid on perceived sleep quality for college students: a pilot research protocol

Abstract

Sleep is essential for our wellness and everyday performance. Poor sleep quality is highly prevalent among college students, with over 60% of them experiencing poor sleep quality (Becker et al., 2018). Multiple factors lead to poor sleep quality among college students, including academic stress, substance misuse, and unstable routines (Phillips et al., 2017; Summer, 2024a). A therapeutic playlist consists of songs in a specially arranged order to elicit desired response (McFerran & Grocke, 2022). To assist the client in achieving a restful state, it is recommended to choose music with the appropriate musical elements. These musical elements may include moderate tempos, soothing instrumentation, and the absence of sudden dynamic changes (Gaston, 1968; McFerran & Grocke, 2022). This research protocol aims to explore the use of therapeutic playlists as a sleep aid for college students experiencing sleep disturbances. The proposed research study will focus on how a therapeutic playlist will impact the perceived sleep quality of four college students, utilizing a multiple baseline design. In addition, it seeks to provide recommendations for music therapists and healthcare professionals using music with clients experiencing sleep disturbances. Key words: Sleep disturbances, Sleep deprivation, Therapeutic Playlists, Sedative music, Music and Sleep, Music Listening and Sleep