How Nature Sounds Benefit Emotional and Cognitive Health

Certain sounds, including birdsong, the rush of light breezes and the movement of water, activate something called the parasympathetic nervous system. This response in the human body slows breathing and lowers heart rate and blood pressure; it's designed to shepherd the system into relaxation. At the same time, systems that elicit the fight-or-flight response in the body and pump out stress hormones like cortisol are less active. The result is a calmer state and space for the body to generate mood-enhancing endorphins that make someone feel happier.

Studies have demonstrated that when people spend just 2 hours a week in nature, they can experience a positive impact on mood, connection and memory. Nature sounds are one reason for that impact.

The effect isn't lost simply because someone is dealing with a change in cognitive function, either. One analysis of studies found that natural elements can "significantly alleviate agitation" for those living with dementia in care locations like the memory care community at Bethesda Gardens in Thornton, Colorado.

Choosing the Best Nature Sounds

You can purchase or download nature sounds or play them via Spotify or YouTube. When choosing nature sounds to play for a loved one with dementia, consider the types of background noises that might work best:

• Avoid complex compilations. Some nature soundtracks have a lot going on, with running water, rain, bird calls, wind and other noises woven together. Complex recordings could create confusion or trigger sensory issues for those with dementia, so start with simple options.
• Reduce alarming or sudden sounds. Avoid loud tracks and sounds that could induce worry or stress. For example, if you know your loved one gets concerned during thunderstorms, avoid nature recordings with those elements.
• Consider your loved one's past. Think about the sounds that might be familiar to your loved one. If they grew up on a farm, consider tracks that include roosters crowing and cows mooing. If they spent a lot of time at the coast, consider ocean sounds.

Practical Ways to Include Nature Sounds in Daily Life

Playing nature sounds all day long isn't always practical and may not be best for your loved one. Find ways to incorporate these sounds into daily routines in a way that works for everyone. Some options include:

• Using alarms to ensure nature sounds come on in the morning to create a gentle wake-up
• Integrating sound machines into bedtime routines to help your loved one sleep
• Setting up a quiet corner where your loved one can easily turn on nature sounds and sit with crafts or sensory activities when they want to

Smartphones let you take nature sounds into any location, and technology like Alexa can make it easy for your loved one to ask for the sounds they'd like to hear. Test different setups to find convenient ways to incorporate nature sounds into each day.

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