Loop de loop

Getting a song stuck in your head can be an irritation, but a new study found that night-time earworms can also disrupt your rest. While many of us listen to music to wind down before bedtime, this habit could have the opposite effect for people prone to involuntary musical imagery.**

Sleep researcher Michael Scullin tested the theory by playing original and instrumental versions of three catchy songs – Taylor Swift’s Shake It Off, Carly Rae Jepson’s Call Me Maybe and Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’ – to 50 participants before bed. Those who caught an earworm had greater difficulty falling asleep, more awakenings and spent more time in light stages of sleep.

Evict earworms by engaging in a task that requires full focus to distract your brain before bed. Just don’t hum Can’t Get You Out Of My Head at the same time!