New Research Reveals the Well-Being Benefits of Nature-Based Soundscapes

While previous studies have suggested that nature soundscapes can be relaxing, single nature sounds have not been powerful enough to induce significant physiological changes. In this study, diverse nature sounds were combined with minimalist melodies, creating a continuous and immersive acoustic experience. This combination provided participants with a holistic and engaging auditory environment. 

The research led by Dr. Susanne Kumpulainen applied a randomized controlled trial design focused on acute effects. A total of 53 healthy adults participated in the study, listening to both a nature-based soundscape and a café soundscape in a controlled setting. The goal was to compare the relaxation effects of a nature-based soundscape and an urban café soundscape. 

A calm café soundscape was selected as the urban comparison because it is commonly associated with leisure-time relaxation in city environments. The nature-based soundscape integrated binaural rendering of authentic recordings of water, birds, insects, wind, thunder, gentle rain, and a campfire, blended with minimalist musical elements, creating a structured sound journey. This sound journey was produced by Olo Space Oy, a company based in Enontekiö, Finland. The study was conducted in Mikkeli at the Active Life Lab, located in Saimaa Stadium. 

“The nature-based sound environment enhanced participants’ physiological, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being,” explains Dr. Susanne Kumpulainen. 
“Our results indicate that nature-based soundscapes are not only effective but also an easily accessible therapeutic tool for promoting recovery from everyday stress. They can be particularly beneficial in urban environments or situations where access to real nature is limited.” 

The full article is available at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/psyp.14760 

Further Information: 

Dr. Susanne Kumpulainen 
Researcher, Xamk – South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences 
Head of the Planetary Brain Health research team, Active Life Lab 
susanne.kumpulainen@xamk.fi 
+358 40 191 6946 
Xamk Research Groups – Active Life Lab 

Participants listened to both a nature-based and café soundscape during the experiment, aiming to compare relaxation effects in natural and urban environments. Photo: Manu Eloaho