Author Date

2026-03-26

Degree Name

Department

Music

College

Fine Arts and Communications

Defense Date

2026-02-20

Publication Date

2026-03-26

First Faculty Advisor

Benjamin Ogles

First Faculty Reader

Hannah McLaughlin

Honors Coordinator

Ed Gantt

Keywords

music intervention, substance use disorders (SUDs), residential treatment, sleep, stress, addiction recovery

Abstract

Aim: Sleep difficulties and elevated stress are common among individuals recovering from substance use disorders (SUDs), often persisting long after initial detoxification. Music-based interventions offer a low-risk, nonpharmacological option that may support sleep and stress regulation. This study examined whether a Structured Music Listening Protocol (SMLP) could improve sleep quality and reduce perceived stress within a residential SUD treatment program.

Methods: Fifty eligible patients were enrolled in the Intervention Group (SMLP – Structured Music Listening Protocol) and fifty in the Control Group (Standardized Therapy) from a residential treatment center for SUDs. Both groups received standard therapy from the center. The intervention group used SMLP nightly. Sleep quality and perceived stress were measured weekly across four timepoints using the Sleep Quality Scale and the Perceived Stress Scale. Linear mixed-effects models assessed changes over time and Group × Time interactions. Estimated marginal means and planned comparisons further examined group differences.

Results: Significant main effects for Time emerged for both perceived stress and sleep quality. The Group × Time interaction was not statistically significant for either outcome; however, planned comparisons showed that the music group demonstrated significantly lower perceived stress than the control group at later timepoints. No significant group differences were found for sleep quality.

Discussion: SMLP appears to be a safe and feasible adjunct to standard care but does not have an obvious additional effect. Future research could examine whether SMLP is effective as a standalone intervention or investigate its impact on other substance-use-related stressors, such as cravings.