title: Effects of Music Listening on Cortisol Levels and Propofol Consumption during Spinal Anesthesia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study explores effects of instrumental music on the hormonal system (as indicated by serum cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone), the immune system (as indicated by immunoglobulin A) and sedative drug requirements during surgery (elective total hip joint replacement under spinal anesthesia with light sedation). This is the first study investigating this issue with a double-blind design using instrumental music.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patients (n = 40) were randomly assigned either to a music group (listening to instrumental music), or to a control group (listening to a non-musical placebo stimulus). Both groups listened to the auditory stimulus about 2 h before, and during the entire intra-operative period (during the intra-operative light sedation, subjects were able to respond lethargically to verbal commands). Results indicate that, during surgery, patients of the music group had a lower propofol consumption, and lower cortisol levels, compared to the control group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our data show that listening to music during surgery under regional anesthesia has effects on cortisol levels (reflecting stress-reducing effects) and reduces sedative requirements to reach light sedation.
authors.affiliation: Cluster of Excellence "Languages of Emotion," Freie Universität Berlin Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Koelsch
authors.forename: Julian
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fuermetz
authors.forename: Ulrich
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Sack
authors.forename: Katrin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bauer
authors.forename: Maximilian
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hohenadel
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wiegel
authors.forename: Udo X
authors.initials: UX
authors.lastname: Kaisers
authors.forename: Wolfgang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Heinke