The way in which the human subconscious operates has potential for optimization - that can now be balanced after a year of the pandemic. How practical it would have been if the limitations of everyday life could have found an opposite pole in the context of nightly dreams. Wild parties, uninhibited cuddles, carefree long-distance travel - after all, all of this could have been celebrated and enjoyed while sleeping without any problems. Instead, on the basis of extensive studies, psychologists report that nightmares occur more frequently around the world, in which the problems and fears of the pandemic continued and intensified.
That will probably not change anytime soon. The subconscious can be resentful. Psychologists from the American Baylor University have now confirmed that it is also unfortunately difficult to manipulate. In the journal Psychological Science, they examined the effect of music played before falling asleep on the quality of sleep. Up until now it was thought that it could easily provide relaxation and a good night's sleep - experience reports had suggested that.
The psychologists then measured methodologically thoroughly: in the sleep laboratory and using neural measurements. The result was surprising. Accordingly, the consumption of certain music disturbs sleep instead of promoting it. Nocturnal catchy tunes are responsible for this. The brain sometimes processes melodies for hours after they have been heard and thus does not come to rest. This effect is stronger in instrumental music without text than in pieces with vocals. Fast tempo and frequent repetitions are also risk factors, just like intensive music consumption in general. On the basis of EEG measurements, the researchers also received an indication of the purpose of nocturnal earwigs: They would serve to consolidate memories.
One might wonder how productive it is if they disrupt sleep in the process. But since the subconscious doesn't care much about rational inquiries, the question remains, what remains as an aid against pandemic sleep disorders. The psychologists suggest that you write down your own worries in the evening. It is worth a try. Just don't succumb to the temptation to hum the song “Don't worry, be happy” to yourself.