Don't listen to this song while driving. Weightless is the most relaxing music track ever.


The eight-minute track is so effective at inducing sleep, motorists have now been warned they should not listen to it while driving.

It slows your breathing and reduces brain activity to such an extent that Weightless, written by Manchester band Marconi Union, is said to be the most relaxing song ever.

The band worked with sound therapists to get advice on how to make the most effective use of harmonies, rhythms and bass lines. The result on listeners is a slowing of the heart rate, reduced blood pressure and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

Scientists played the song to 40 women and found it to be more effective at helping them relax than songs by Enya, Mozart and Coldplay.

The study found the song was even more relaxing than a massage, walk or cup of tea.

The women were connected to sensors and given challenging puzzles to complete against the clock in order to induce a level of stress.

They were then played different songs as their heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and brain activity were recorded.

Weightless was 11 per cent more relaxing than any other song and even made many of the women drowsy in the lab.

It induced a 65 per cent reduction in overall anxiety and brought them to a level 35 per cent lower than their usual resting rates.

The song features guitar, piano and electronic samples of natural soundscapes.

It is pierced throughout by buddhist-like chants that induce a trance-like state.

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