Music may not have any obvious survival value, but is so significant across human society. Listening to good music can actually make you live longer!

Scientists have found that the pleasurable experience of listening to music releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain important for more tangible pleasures associated with rewards such as food, drugs and sex. A new study also reveals that even the anticipation of pleasurable music induces dopamine release.

Here are the wonders of music.

1. Listening To Pleasant Music Could Help Restore Vision In Stroke Patients, Suggests Study
Study shows that patients who have lost part of their visual awareness following a stroke can show an improved ability to see when they are listening to music they like.

2. Music Reduces Anxiety in Cancer Patients
Cancer patients may benefit from sessions with trained music therapists or from listening to music. A Cochrane systematic review shows using music can reduce anxiety in cancer patients, and may also have positive effects on mood, pain and quality of life.

3. Music Reduces Stress In Heart Disease Patients
Listening to music may benefit patients who suffer severe stress and anxiety associated with having and undergoing treatment for coronary heart disease. A Cochrane Systematic Review found that listening to music could decrease blood pressure, heart rate, and levels of anxiety in heart patients.

4. Rhythm of Life Music Shows Potential in Stroke Rehabilitation
Music therapy provided by trained music therapists may help to improve movement in stroke patients, according to a Cochrane Systematic Review. A few small trials also suggest a wider role for music in recovery from brain injury.

5. Music Keeps the Doctor Away
Research from Tel Aviv University finds that premature babies who are exposed to certain type of music gain weight faster -- and therefore become stronger -- than those who don't.

6. Listening to Music Can Be Effective for Reducing Pain in High-Anxiety Persons
Distraction is a proven pain reliever, and a new study reported in The Journal of Pain concludes that listening to music can be effective for reducing pain in high-anxiety persons who can easily become absorbed in cognitive activities.

7. Music Helps Improve Result Of Clinical Therapy
Music has a fundamental effect on humans. It can reduce stress, enhance relaxation, provide a distraction from pain, and improve the results of clinical therapy. 

8. Palliative Care Patients Benefit from Unique Music Therapy Project
As people face a terminal illness and are confined to a hospital bed or hospice room, music can provide a great source of solace. 

I really wonder if the type of music that's predominant in Nigeria would do any of this!

Tell us what you think!