The brain chemical dopamine is now trending in recent Google searches. And no wonder-dopamine is an important chemical messenger for feeling motivated and enjoying life. As a neurotransmitter, it helps to send signals between brain neurons. It plays a key role in regulating a variety of functions in the brain, including motivation and reward. Dopamine is called the "feel-good" brain chemical since it so important for the brain's reward system. It is released when we do something pleasurable, such as eating delicious food or engaging in enjoyable activities. This reinforces the behavior and makes us want to repeat it. Having a healthy supply of dopamine also helps to soften our response to stressful experiences.

Listening to binaural beats has been shown to increase dopamine. It is possible to enter brainwave states that support dopamine production using sound technology. Binaural beats technology has been shown to influence the way the brain works. The popularity of the beats is supported by clinical research. Scientists now view binaural beat stimulation as an exciting new tool for manipulating the mind, altering moods, and increasing dopamine. Although binaural beats have become popular through word of mouth, most research on the beats has been done to determine their value for medicine. Since binaural beats are silent, they are often combined with music. Doctors have found that binaural beats music is effective in reducing anxiety and pain and stabilizing blood pressure. The beats can sometimes serve as an alternative for sedatives in anesthetized patients. Children’s anxiety about dental treatment is reduced when they are allowed to listen to theta binaural beats during the procedure. Theta binaural beats have also been found to be effective when they are included in music therapy for substance abuse.

Since binaural beats play a different tone in each ear, you will need headphones or earbuds to listen. Try listening to the beats for at least ten minutes, since it takes at least that long for your brain to fully start responding to the beats. They usually play under a background of music, so choose beats with music that you enjoy. Do not use binaural beats while driving or performing tasks that require your full attention.

FAQ: Binaural Beats and Dopamine

What do binaural beats do?

Binaural beats work by delivering two different sound frequencies, one in each ear. The brain responds by hearing a third sound that is actually an illusion. Then the brain starts to entrain with the sound illusion. The frequency of the sound has effects on the way the listener feels since their brainwaves correspond to feelings.

How can binaural beats change brainwaves?

The brain produces electrochemical energy and uses the electrochemical energy to produce brainwaves. The brain responds to binaural beats sounds by changing its wave frequencies.

Can binaural beats damage your brain?

Binaural beats have been found to be generally safe. Hundreds of clinical studies have been performed on binaural beats, and no side effects have been reported. There is some risk of hearing loss if the listener listens to the beats at extremely high volume for extended periods of time.

Is dopamine a hormone?

Dopamine is not classified as a hormone. A hormone is a chemical messenger that is made by a gland in one part of the body and then delivered via the bloodstream to other parts of the body as needed. For the most part, dopamine is made in the brain and only affects the nervous system.

How is dopamine made?

Dopamine is made through chemical reactions in specialized cells located in several regions of the brain.

What can happen if I have low dopamine?

Low dopamine levels can cause problems with physical and mental health. Dopamine is an important chemical messenger for bodily functions such as movement, motivation, and the ability to enjoy life. Low dopamine levels have been found in persons with depression, anxiety, fatigue, addiction and sleep disorders.

How can I safely increase my dopamine levels?

Here are some ways to safely increase dopamine levels:

Exercise on a regular basis. Frequent exercise has been shown to increase dopamine levels through the release of endorphins. Endorphins are known to increase dopamine levels.

Consume protein-rich foods. Foods that are rich in amino acids provide the building blocks of dopamine. The foods include fish, eggs, nuts, beans, and chicken.

Listen to music you like. Listening to music that you enjoy can increase dopamine levels in the brain.

References

Aparecido-Kanzler, S., Cidral-Filho, F. J., & Prediger, R. D. (2021). Effects of binaural beats and isochronic tones on brain wave modulation: Literature review. Revista Mexicana de Neurociencia, 22(6), 238-247.

Chaieb, L., Wilpert, E. C., Reber, T. P., & Fell, J. (2015). Auditory beat stimulation and its effects on cognition and mood states. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 6, 70. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2015.00070

Kienast T, Hariri AR, Schlagenhauf F, Wrase J, Sterzer P, Buchholz HG, et al. Dopamine in amygdala gates limbic processing of aversive stimuli in humans. Nat Neurosci. 2008;11(12):1381-2. doi: 10.1038/nn.2222.

Padawe, D., Chettiankandy, T. J., Rathi, G. V., Sachdev, S. S., Takate, V. S., & Yadav, T. (2023). Effectivity of binaural beats in reduction of anxiety during dental treatment in pediatric patients. Global Journal of Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Biomedical Update, 18. doi: 10.25259/GJMPBU_117_2022.

Roshani, B., Rezaei, M., Azadi, P., & Jalilian, A. (2019). The effect of binaural beat music on reducing anxiety and pain and increasing satisfaction of ophthalmic ambulatory surgery patients. Journal of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, 23(4). doi: 10.5812/jkums.99914

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