Favorite music triggers happy hormones in the brain

A favorite song can cause the most real physical sensations: goosebumps, shivering, a rush of warmth. Why music has such an effect on us – has long interested scientists, because unlike food or sleep, it is not vital. But sometimes it brings more pleasure than many other things.

Specialists from the Finnish PET-center in Turku have found an explanation for this phenomenon. They proved for the first time that music activates the same brain chemical system that is activated by the pleasure of food or intimacy. It is about the opioid system – the most important mechanism of regulation of emotional state and perception of pain.

In the experiment, participants were given to listen to their favorite songs while their brains were scanned using PET, a technique that tracks the release of opioids. MRI scans were also used to study how the number of opioid receptors affected the strength of the brain’s response.

As it turned out, especially brightly music triggered processes in those areas of the brain that are responsible for the feeling of pleasure. And the more often a person felt the so-called “goosebumps” while listening, the more active was the release of these chemicals.

Interestingly, people with more opioid receptors had a more pronounced brain response to music. This may explain why some people literally dissolve in the sounds, while others remain indifferent – it’s not just about tastes, but also about physiology.

According to researchers from the University of Turku, the discovery sheds light on the underlying nature of musical enjoyment. Although music is not directly related to survival, our brains perceive it as something important and meaningful, activating a system designed for the most intense joyful experiences.

Additionally, it has been observed that music can relieve pain. This is because opioids are responsible not only for joy, but also for pain relief. Thus, music becomes not just a source of pleasure, but also a potential tool in therapy.

The findings of the study offer interesting perspectives for medicine. For example, music could be used in dealing with chronic pain, anxiety or depression – as part of a comprehensive approach without side effects.

So the next time you play your favorite track and feel goosebumps running down your spine, know that in that moment your brain is literally giving you chemical joy.