10 K-Pop Songs To Listen To When You Have Trouble Falling Asleep

We’ve all experienced nights where it’s simply impossible to fall asleep. Whether you’re kept up by work, school, lovesickness, or the sheer anxiety of existence…. the list goes on and on.

Putting on some music is often a great way to relieve some of that stress. Here are some great K-pop tracks to add to your playlist for those nights to calm your restless mind. They will also keep you entertained as you lay back and try to fall asleep!

1. IU – “Through the Night”

Simple and heartfelt, this soothing IU track is a classic go-to for those sleepless nights. With her tender vocals taking centerstage on this soulful guitar-led ballad, IU gently lulls you to dreamland with the timeless “Through the Night.”

2. NCT 127 – “Knock On”

While NCT 127 is known for their energy-charged title tracks, their 2018 B-side track “Knock On” proves that the group is capable of toning things down, serving up this dreamy number.

3. BIBI – “Restless”

The pensive “Restless” is one of BIBI’s quintessential tracks and for good reason. Equal parts tender and euphoric, BIBI sings about the desire to melt into a lover, making this song perfect for those kept up by matters of the heart.

4. Jo Yu Ri – “Express Moon”

Reminiscent of old Ariana Grande tracks, the former IZ*ONE vocalist serves up pure, enchanting perfection on the balmy “Express Moon,” sending us on a spellbinding trip through the night sky.

5. WINNER – “BABY BABY”

“Baby, baby, I hate this night / Baby, baby, I hate being alone,” WINNER croons on this soft pop-rock track teeming with sweet nostalgia and desperate longing.

6. Seori – “The Long Night” feat. Giriboy

K-indie singer Seori teams up with Giriboy on this gorgeous, dreamy single where the pair croons longingly of the endless, lonely night to come after spending the day with a loved one.

7. Chungha – “Week”

Chungha’s calming vocals shine in the tranquil, tender pop-ballad “Week,” arguably one of the K-pop powerhouse’s most underrated tracks.

8. Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon – “11:11”

No doubt a staple for those of us who often have trouble falling asleep, Taeyeon’s “11:11” remains one of her most well-loved songs and for good reason. Her emotions shine through on this folksy, acoustic pop-ballad, enveloping listeners like a warm, comforting hug.

9. SHINee’s Taemin – “Day and Night”

Soulful and stripped-down, Taemin takes a break from his usual thrillingly theatrical musical style and goes for simplicity in the jazzy, laidback “Day and Night,” and the result is pure, unrefined perfection.

10. Yukika – “Insomnia”

What better way to end a list of songs for sleepless nights than with the pensive, dreamy “Insomnia”? Tinged with Yukika’s usual city-pop sound, this song transports you from your bedroom out into the night, softly lit by the glow of neon lights.

What other songs are on your night time playlist? Tell us in the comments down below!

Gladys Yeo is a longtime K-entertainment fan and university student majoring in Media and Asian Studies. Outside of school and writing, she can be found listening to K-pop girl groups, attempting cool new pole tricks, or trying (and failing) to control her two pet corgis. Feel free to hit her up on Instagram or Twitter to chat about dramas, music, and life!

Currently Addicted To: IVE’s “LOVE DIVE”
Looking Forward To: LE SSERAFIM’s debut