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The reason some songs get stuck in your head – other than being catchy
Have you ever tried forcing a song out of your head but to no avail? It’s more common than you would imagine and some people are stuck with a catchy tune or phrase for lengthy periods.
The human mind is complex and some of its issues manifest in ways one can’t imagine; like the sudden craving for salt induced by anxiety. So, take the song playing repeatedly in your head as a warning sign if it doesn’t fade away naturally.
Doctor explains why songs get stuck in your head
I have a song playing in my head as I write this. That’s how common “earworms” are. The term describes the phenomenon of catchy tunes or particular song phrases playing on repeat in your mind.
Several reasons can contribute to this annoying feeling, including the uniqueness of a tune and other mental health-related issues.
Dr. Michael Mrozinski says he couldn’t remove a tune from a Robbie Williams documentary from his mind, which prompted him to discuss the common condition – Stuck Song Syndrome.
Quoting the findings of research conducted by the University of Harvard, he explains: “It can happen when you’re more stressed or your mind is overstimulated.”
The researchers suggest doing two things when you can’t escape the stubborn music – either accept it and let the song play in your head or listen to other songs that can get ahead of the current track.
The recommended tracks include God Save the Queen and Karma Chameleon by the English band Culture Club.
Practical advice to reduce stress
The doctor suggests a different approach if stress and an overstimulated mind are why a song wouldn’t get out of your head. He usually steps out for a breather.
“I think the best solution is to get out of bed, go for a walk, try and clear your head, watch a bit of TV that you enjoy, try to relax, and then go back to bed,” he says.
A study from 2018 published in the National Library of Medicine notes musical obsessions for prolonged periods can also be the cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder, which can be treated with medications.
Dr. Michael Mrozinski boasts more than 15 years of experience and works as a rural GP in small hospitals across remote Australia. He holds a Master’s in Sports Medicine and has worked as a senior lecturer and tutor at Monash University in Melbourne.
