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Music therapy reduces delirium incidence in adult ICU patients

Q: What is the effect of music therapy on delirium in ICU patients?

Music therapy reduces delirium incidence by about 51% (RR = 0.49) based on a meta-analysis of 15 RCTs.

Q: Does music therapy improve sleep in ICU patients?

Yes, objective acute sleep quality (measured by RCSQ) was significantly enhanced (SMD = -0.62; p < 0.001).

Q: Is music therapy effective for anxiety and depression in ICU patients?

Yes, anxiety was significantly relieved (SMD = -0.79; p = 0.02) and depression symptoms improved (SMD = -1.30; p < 0.001).

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

Limitations include heterogeneity in some outcomes, lower certainty for hospital length of stay and pain, and the need for larger multicenter trials.

Music therapy significantly reduced the incidence of delirium in adult ICU patients (RR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.40-0.60; p < 0.001). The meta-analysis of 15 RCTs involving 1,552 patients also showed improvements in sleep quality, anxiety, and depression.

Last updated: Jul 21, 2026•0 RCTs•1 Meta-analyses•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score49/100

Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆

Meta-analysis★★★☆☆

Mechanism★★★★★

Safety★★★★☆

Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Effects of music therapy on delirium, clinical outcomes, and psychological and sleep outcomes in adult ICU patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

observational

Yuan Y, Wang S, Wang H, Wang W, Dai K · Frontiers in medicine (2026)

Participants: N/A

Duration: N/A

Intervention: Music therapy (MT) as a non-pharmacological intervention in the ICU

Outcome: Delirium incidence, mechanical ventilation duration, ICU length of stay, hospital length of stay, anxiety, depression, pain, sleep quality (RCSQ scale), short-term mortality

Effect Size: RR = 0.49 (95% CI: 0.40-0.60) for delirium incidence

Population: Adult ICU patients (1,552 patients from 15 RCTs)

Result:

PubMed: 42460074 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2026.1857001

Mechanism Graph

Music therapy reduces stress and anxiety

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Modulates autonomic nervous system activity

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Improves sleep architecture and reduces arousal

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Result: Lower risk of delirium and improved psychological outcomes

Limitations

⚠Heterogeneity in some secondary outcomes
⚠Lower certainty in some secondary outcomes (e.g., hospital length of stay, pain)
⚠Larger multicenter trials needed before routine integration into protocols

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the effect of music therapy on delirium in ICU patients?▼

Music therapy reduces delirium incidence by about 51% (RR = 0.49) based on a meta-analysis of 15 RCTs.

Does music therapy improve sleep in ICU patients?▼

Yes, objective acute sleep quality (measured by RCSQ) was significantly enhanced (SMD = -0.62; p < 0.001).

Is music therapy effective for anxiety and depression in ICU patients?▼

Yes, anxiety was significantly relieved (SMD = -0.79; p = 0.02) and depression symptoms improved (SMD = -1.30; p < 0.001).

What are the limitations of this study?▼

Limitations include heterogeneity in some outcomes, lower certainty for hospital length of stay and pain, and the need for larger multicenter trials.

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References

1.Yuan Y, Wang S, Wang H, Wang W, Dai K. "Effects of music therapy on delirium, clinical outcomes, and psychological and sleep outcomes in adult ICU patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.." Frontiers in medicine, 2026. PMID: 42460074 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2026.1857001

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.