Insomnia is a common sleep disorder for patients with depression. This has a major impact on the quality of life for the individual. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) will address the use of music as a non-pharmacological treatment to reduce insomnia in depression.

The aim is to investigate, whether music listening is effective to:

– improve sleep quality;

– reduce symptoms of depression;

– improve quality of life;

– limit or replace medication.

A RCT will address the use of music as a treatment modality in depression using an explanatory mixed methods design. In the first phase of the study, patient data is collected from 3D accelerometer, log files from a new app for iPad called ‘the music star’ and questionnaires (MDI, HAM, PSQI and WHO-QOL). ‘The music star’ is an app for iPad used to select music from special designed playlists developed by Danish music therapists in psychiatry. An exploratory follow-up (semi-structured interviews) aims to explain quantitative results from accelerometer and ‘the music star’ log files. Participants enrolled are registered at the clinic for unipolar and bipolar affective disorders at Aalborg University Hospital – Psychiatry. The participants test whether a sound pillow and special designed playlists is effective to reduce insomnia in depression in a 4 week period.

A feasibility study has been conducted on 11 participants showing positive results in terms of participation and sleep quality.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.