How to stop earworm insomnia?

Are you tired of lying in bed, trying to sleep but unable to stop that catchy tune playing on repeat in your head? Do you find yourself humming the same song over and over throughout the day? Well, look no further, because we’ve got some solutions for you. In this guide, we’ll show you how to overcome earworm insomnia with practical tips and tricks. So put on your dancing shoes (or ear plugs) and let’s get started.

What are Earworms?

Before diving into any solutions, it is important to understand what exactly is an earworm. No, it’s not a creature living inside your ears – although that would make for a great sci-fi movie. An earworm is actually just a fancy term used to describe those annoying tunes or lyrics stuck in our heads that won’t go away. Scientists call them involuntary musical imagery or INMI for short.

According to researchers at Goldsmiths College in London, nearly 90% of people experience an earworm at least once a week! That’s a lot of unwanted music bouncing around our brains.

So why do we get these pesky tunes stuck in our heads? Well, experts aren’t entirely sure yet but suggest several reasons such as repetitive exposure or emotional significance tied to certain songs.

Is Earworm Insomnia Real?

Now comes the real question – can having an earwig cause insomnia? The answer here is complicated and depends on various factors such as individual susceptibility and duration of the worm infestation – I mean…the time until the tune finally fades from your mind(phew). However, research shows that prolonged exposure can lead to heightened stress levels which may negatively impact sleep quality over time.

But fear not! There are ways we can nip this issue in the bud before it becomes too severe.

Here are some practical tips you can try to stop that earworm in its tracks:

1. Distract Your Brain

One of the easiest ways to tackle this problem is by distracting your brain with another activity or thought. Read a book, do a puzzle, or call up a friend, basically anything that requires cognitive engagement.

Alternatively, try doing something physical – go for a run, lift weights are just hop on one leg(you know who you are!). Whatever it takes to shift focus away from that catchy tune and direct attention elsewhere.

2. Listen to Different Music

This one may seem counterintuitive but listening to different music can actually help lower INMI frequency over time(gasp!). Exposure theory suggests that our brains latch onto songs we’ve heard repeatedly so mixing it up can disrupt such associations.

Try exploring new genres or even old forgotten classics(80s hair bands anyone?) rather than sticking to your usual playlists.

3. Sing Along Loudly

Here’s where things get fun (and potentially embarrassing). Sing along karaoke style as loudly as possible! Weird sounding recommendation I admit but singing uses multiple parts of your brain at once( need more proof jingle bells?). Plus belting out lyrics could also tire out vocal cords making them less likely to hum an annoying melody throughout the day – let’s hear the folks back there…Fa-la-la-la-I-ASsdjkGflk

Brb ,cough cough, excuse me getting splashed by saliva from behind must have reached peak pitch..

There are also habits and activities we can incorporate into our daily routine that will help decrease likelihood of catching an earbug(might want Zzzzs anyway).

4. Reduce Stress Levels

I know this seems like another impossible task nowadays but studies show anxiety & stress levels correlate strongly with INMI frequency(facts – I’m not seasoned to make them up!). Try practicing mindfulness activities such as yoga or meditation, making sure you get enough exercise and sleep(optimistic chuckle), or reducing work hours if possible.

5. Get Enough Sleep

Speaking of sleep, ample rest is crucial for overall health – providing opportunity for psychological repair(you’ll feel so at peace). And what better way to avoid an earworm than by catching some much needed shut-eye? Ensure your bedroom has the ideal environment for good quality zzz’s by keeping it dark, cool and using comfortable bedding.

6. Avoid Overexposure

Overindulgence in music(even those catchy tunes) can actually lead to lower enjoyment over time as well as boosting one’s susceptibility towards INMI.(hmm,eureka!) Make sure that listening/playing music doesn’t consume significant portions of your entire day- (listening whilst studying may be okay tho’). Keeping a balanced proportion will naturally help limit chances of eerie critters getting lodged inside our heads(huh!).

Many different factors contribute to earworms and the possibility insomnia developing from it. Fortunately these tips & lifestyle changes proposed in this guide are easy-peasy ways brush off(!) any sticky melodies(phew)staking residence within us earwig-free.

If all else fails…just remember Shake It Offtun-tun!

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