Many people enjoy singing to themselves in front of the mirror or in the shower. There is no need to be embarrassed, as there is scientific evidence that singing provides health benefits for both your body and mental health, regardless of whether the tone is not high enough or sounds out of tune.

Benefits of Singing for Physical and Mental Health

Research has shown that singing offers numerous health benefits for anyone, both physically and mentally. You don't have to be a professional singer—you can sing anywhere, in the car, in front of the mirror, or in the shower, to enjoy the following health benefits:

Relieves Stress

A 2017 study found that singing is effective in relieving stress. This was shown by measuring the hormone cortisol before and after singing.

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands (located on top of your kidneys) that helps your body respond to stress. It plays a role in regulating your mood, energy, and body’s response to stress.

The researchers found that after singing, the amount of cortisol tended to be lower. This means that singing can help relieve stress and lead to more relaxation.

Stimulates the Immune Response

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is a type of antibody, which is a protein in the blood that helps protect your body from infections. A lack of IgA means an increased risk of autoimmune health problems and infectious diseases.

A small study also found that singing can help boost the immune system and assist in fighting disease by increasing IgA levels.

Reduces Snoring Habit

Snoring can be caused by many factors, such as oral anatomy, sleep disorders, sleep position, or nasal passage problems. Regular singing is said to change the way we breathe, which can help reduce snoring.

Experts have also found that people who sing regularly or play wind instruments have a lower risk of snoring. They encourage people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—a sleep disorder where your breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep—to sing or play musical instruments to reduce snoring and improve sleep.

Improves Lung Function

Singing involves breathing exercises and controlled use of muscles in the respiratory system (which includes your lungs and airways). As such, singing may help improve lung and respiratory function.

In the UK, there are singing groups that engage patients with respiratory diseases. With over 100 groups currently formed, these groups focus on improving breathing control and posture related to respiratory conditions. It is hoped that with these exercises, symptoms like coughing can be reduced.

Enhances Memory in Dementia Patients

Dementia refers to a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and decision-making. People with dementia often have difficulty remembering important things and may struggle to find the right words.

Research shows that people with dementia are better able to remember song lyrics than anything else. Song lyrics can help dementia patients recall forgotten memories.

Singing in general improves mental health as it stimulates many parts of the brain simultaneously. In addition to singing, you might be interested in other music therapies, such as playing an instrument, dancing, or listening to music, which can also reduce stress, improve mood, ease pain, reduce fatigue, and foster better social connections.

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can visit a doctor or use the consultation feature available in the Ai Care application. Download the Ai Care app from the App Store or Play Store.

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