Premature Babies and Music

Researchers at Tel Aviv University's School of Medicine have concluded that premature infants who are exposed to 30 minutes of music composed by Mozart are calmer and therefore expend less energy. Consequently, these premature babies can use their caloric intake for weight gain rather convert those same calories into energy used for the movement of their bodies.
Weight gain is essential for preemies and must occur before the babies can be released from the hospital and sent home. Preterm babies who gain adequate weight are better able to fight infections and other illnesses to which they might be exposed, both during their stay at the hospital and at home.
Unsure if it is the repetitive melodies of Mozart's music, researchers at Tel Aviv University will continue to attempt to determine what are the most effective environments in which to treat premature babies. Other studies are planned where premature infants will be exposed to rap and pop music, music composed by other classical musicians, such as Beethoven, Bach, and Bartok, as well as those to which they were exposed while in the womb.