Silence Is Essential To Regenerate The Brain
Our hearing is constantly stimulated. All these stimuli that we receive from our environment are more or less alarming, they have a strong impact on our state of mind. The screeching tires of a car, the strident music of the stores, the trains braking in a deafening din… so many small daily worries that prevent us from feeling peace.
While we can all feel that this is affecting our emotional state, science also shows us that constant noise affects our brains. According to the study conducted in Germany by the Research Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden , certain brain processes can only be carried out in silence.
Until recently, we thought our neurons were unable to regenerate. However, with the development of neurogenesis, it has been proven that we are on the wrong track. If we have not yet determined all the factors that promote neuronal and brain regeneration, it is quite possible that silence is one of them.
Experiment in silence
German scientists began their work with an experiment on rats. The study consisted of immersing them completely in silence for two hours a day. After a while, the scientists carried out tests to find out if the rodent brains had undergone any changes.
The result was surprising. In all of the rats studied, a significant increase in their production of cells was observed within the region of the brain called the hippocampus. The latter is responsible for regulating emotions, memory and learning.
The experts noted that the new nerve cells produced were gradually integrated into the central nervous system and that they specialized in one or other of the functions previously mentioned. In conclusion, it seems that the silence produced a significant effect on the brains of these animals.
Silence helps structure information
Our brain never rests, even when we are in a state of deep rest, during our sleep for example. This exceptional organ continues to function, but in a different way. When our body is resting, it sets in motion different processes that complement those we perform when we are awake.
These processes have the effect of purifying our body of toxins it may contain, both organically and intellectually. The brain evaluates the information and experiences to which we have been exposed throughout the day. It will then organize and integrate the most important information, while rejecting what it considers unnecessary.
This process is completely unconscious, but produces effects of which we are aware. This is why we say that “ the night brings advice ”. Sleep indeed allows us to see things in a different way.
But what becomes interesting in the context of our article is that silence produces more or less the same effects. The absence of auditory stimuli acts as a kind of rest for our brain. Silence, in general, allows us to enter a phase of introspection and purify the emotions that we do not need.
The significant effects of silence on stress
Silence not only makes us smarter, more creative and more self-confident, it also has positive effects on our anxiety states. Humans are particularly sensitive to noise. This is why we jump when we hear the sound of a falling object or hear something unusual.
A survey by Cornell University found that children living near airports are more stressed than others. And that’s not all. They also have higher blood pressure and produce more of the stress hormone cortisol.
Fortunately, opposite situations can also occur. A study from the University of Pavia has found that spending two minutes in absolute silence is much more effective than listening to relaxing music. In fact, it has been shown to lower blood pressure and keep you awake and calm for longer.
As you can now see, silence has many benefits, both intellectually and emotionally. We can therefore say that once in a while immersing ourselves in absolute silence can help us strengthen our brain health. A healthy habit that allows us to take care of our health and our quality of life.
Images of Magdalena Berny
