The Brain Before Sleep meme is a widely recognized format that personifies the struggle of trying to fall asleep while being bombarded by intrusive thoughts. It originated from a 2017 webcomic by artist Hannah Hillam, featuring a character trying to rest while their brain asks, 'Are you going to sleep?' followed by a distressing or embarrassing thought that forces the character's eyes wide open. This relatable scenario struck a chord across social media platforms like Reddit, Twitter, and Instagram, evolving into various templates where the brain brings up anything from cringy childhood memories to existential dread. It remains a staple for expressing the universal experience of nighttime overthinking and insomnia.