Many people can relate to having catchy tunes play on repeat in their minds, commonly known as "earworms."

This phenomenon isn't limited to waking hours. A recent study suggests that these persistent musical thoughts can also disrupt our sleep, affecting our ability to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Neuroscientist Michael Scullin from Baylor University highlights that our brains continue to generate music, even in the absence of external sounds, such as when we're asleep.

To explore the impact of pre-sleep music exposure on sleep quality, Scullin and his colleagues surveyed 199 participants and conducted a sleep experiment with 50 volunteers. They specifically focused on what's technically termed "involuntary musical imagery" or, more colloquially, brainwashing music.

In the survey phase, participants who regularly listened to music during the day were more prone to experiencing nighttime earworms, negatively affecting their overall sleep quality. In the lab test, participants were exposed to popular songs like Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off" and Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'."

Polysomnography tests were then employed to evaluate sleep quality. Individuals who caught these earworms took longer to fall asleep, spent more time in lighter sleep stages, and experienced more awakenings during the night.

Interestingly, instrumental versions of songs triggered about twice as many earworms as their vocal counterparts. Scullin initially believed that people primarily experienced earworms when trying to fall asleep, but the study revealed that individuals reported being regularly awakened from sleep by these persistent musical thoughts.

Brain scans further demonstrated that individuals reporting earworms exhibited more slow oscillations, indicating memory reactivation during sleep. The primary auditory cortex, associated with earworm processing during wakefulness, was also implicated.

Previous studies have linked nighttime music exposure to insomnia. The new research suggests that the impact may extend beyond the immediate listening period; our brains may continue processing music for hours after it stops.

To mitigate the influence of catchy tunes on sleep, Scullin recommends refraining from listening to music before bedtime. Engaging in alternative cognitive activities, such as making a to-do list for the next day, can also help clear the mind.

While music is undoubtedly enjoyable, especially before bedtime for many teens and young adults, it's essential to recognize that increased music exposure correlates with a higher likelihood of experiencing earworms.

When earworms strike, the chances are that your sleep may be adversely affected. Therefore, adopting strategies to minimize musical intrusions before bedtime could contribute to a more restful night's sleep.