The Use of Preferred Music to Improve the Sleep Quality of a High School Athlete with Post-Concussion Syndrome

Abstract

Difficulty sleeping is a common long-term complaint for those who have experienced head trauma and brain injury (Hvingelby, 2020). A lack of sleep can lead to neurological dysfunction and reduce the ability to regulate thinking and behavior (Tan, 2004). Music therapy can promote sleep quality and may be an effective, safe, and affordable treatment for those with sleep problems (Kavurmaci et al., 2020). This study aimed to examine the use of preferred music to improve the self-reported sleep quality, pain, and mood of a high school athlete with post-concussion syndrome. A single-subject, quasi-experimental design was used to examine the use of a preferred music playlist to promote relaxation and sleep in conjunction with weekly live music therapy telehealth sessions. Results indicated an increase in relaxation and ability to sleep, along with improved mood and decreased pain. The results of this study suggest that music therapy may be helpful in addressing pain, mood, and sleep quality in individuals who have experienced concussions.