Brain Health Tip

Taken from a Lumosity.com newsletter.

How Noise Affects Cognition and Mood

We subject ourselves to 'acoustic startle response' each morning we're roused by the unpleasant sounds from an alarm clock. This abuse can, in the long run, induce cardiovascular and digestive distress.

We also become mentally combative when we're pummeled with noise, such that the World Health Organization notes aggressiveness as a health risk of noise. Additionally, other cognitive functions are sacrificed in the presence of noise-induced anger.

Psychologist Arline Bronzaft's research has shown that, in the case of a school located next to a train track, students' performance is hampered by noise. On the quieter side of the school, students performed at a reading level higher than the students on the train side. When measures were taken to insulate the noise-affected students, their performance evened out.

Beyond this, stroke victims have also been reported to have increased visual awareness when listening to preferred music, and surgery patients have reported less pain while listening to nature sounds.

The takeaway? Take measures to calm your mind and body by using more soothing sounds to wake you up in the morning. And whenever possible, try drowning out noise by listening to something pleasant. Your brain will thank you!