Can music impact heart rate?

Yes, music can impact heart rate. Listening to music, particularly your favorite music, for about 10 to 30 minutes a day can increase heart rate variability, which reflects a healthy balance between the parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) and sympathetic (fight-or-flight) nervous systems 1. This effect is not just limited to the time when you're listening to music but it persists throughout the day, even during sleep 1.

The mechanism behind this involves changes in breathing patterns induced by music. Music can subconsciously alter how you breathe, which in turn affects your heart rate through a phenomenon called respiratory sinus arrhythmia 2. Essentially, music can evoke changes in your physiological state by engaging your nervous system in ways that promote relaxation and well-being 3.

Additionally, studies have shown that music can lower resting heart rate and improve other cardiovascular metrics, making it a beneficial tool for overall health when listened to consistently 4.