Figure 2.
Mechanistic pathways by which wind instrument training improves autonomic function and sleep quality.

Note: Breath control (paced inhalation and prolonged exhalation), self-generated sound, auditory–limbic processing (amygdala/anterior cingulate) and autonomic regulation (vagal efferents/heart rate variability [HRV]. These pathways reduce arousal and anxiety while improving sleep continuity. Abbreviation: HRV, heart rate variability.