Exploding Head Syndrome

Waking up with a bang? It could be ‘exploding head syndrome’

What is exploding head syndrome?

Exploding head syndrome is a mysterious and poorly understood sleep disorder that causes people to experience loud noises or a sense of an explosion in their head when falling asleep or waking up. Despite being a relatively common condition, exploding head syndrome remains poorly understood, with most people not knowing much about it.

A brief history of exploding head syndrome

The condition has been known to medical professionals since at least 1876, and even the famous French philosopher and scientist René Descartes reportedly experienced it. Despite its long history, we know surprisingly little about the condition, and there is a lack of available data to estimate exactly how many people experience it.

Symptoms of exploding head syndrome

A typical episode of exploding head syndrome is characterised by the experience of an abrupt loud noise or a sense of an explosion inside the head that occurs during the transition from wakefulness to sleep. The sounds that are heard during an episode are variable, but may include perceptions of gun shots, doors slamming, or nondescript screaming. The sounds are always short, very loud, and without any obvious external source in the environment. Some people may also experience accompanying brief visual hallucinations, such as bright flashes, while others may report feelings of intense heat or the sensation of electrical charge flowing through their upper body.

Triggers of exploding head syndrome

While the exact cause of exploding head syndrome is unknown, many theories have been put forward. The most popular theory is that it is related to the natural brain processes that occur in the transition from wakefulness to sleep. As we transition from wakefulness to sleep, activity within the reticular formation of the brain is reduced. The reticular formation is a set of brain structures that acts as an “on-off” switch for the brain, and as it slows down, our sensory cortices that govern vision, sound, and motor movement start to shut down.

Is exploding head syndrome dangerous?

Despite its provocative name, exploding head syndrome is harmless. However, it is important to distinguish an episode of exploding head syndrome from other conditions, particularly from various types of headaches. Exploding head syndrome episodes are very short and usually there is no associated pain. If there is, it is mild and transient. In contrast, many headaches are longer-lasting and are associated with significantly higher levels of pain.

Coping with exploding head syndrome

Unfortunately, there have been no systematic studies investigating potential treatments and coping strategies for those struggling with distressing experiences of exploding head syndrome. In a recent survey of over 3,000 participants who had experienced exploding head syndrome, we found that 45% of respondents reported moderate to severe levels of fear associated with their episodes, and a quarter of participants reported high levels of distress. Changing their sleeping position to avoid sleeping on their back, adjusting their sleep patterns, and deploying mindfulness techniques were all reported to be effective strategies for preventing episodes. Whether any of these techniques prove to be effective in clinical trials remains to be seen.

Conclusion

Exploding head syndrome is a common and harmless condition that can be distressing for those who experience it. While there is much we do not know about the condition, learning that it is a natural and common experience can go a long way in reducing distress. Simple techniques, such as improving sleep habits, may go a long way to preventing distressing episodes from occurring.

FAQs

Q: What is exploding head syndrome?
A: Exploding head syndrome is a mysterious and poorly understood sleep disorder that causes people to experience loud noises or a sense of an explosion in their head when falling asleep or waking up.

Q: How common is exploding head syndrome?
A: There is a lack of available data to estimate exactly how many people experience exploding head syndrome. However, studies have suggested that it may be a relatively common experience, at least in young adults.

Q: What triggers exploding head syndrome?
A: While the exact cause of exploding head syndrome is unknown, many theories have been put forward. The most popular theory is that it is related to the natural brain processes that occur in the transition from wakefulness to sleep.

Q: Is exploding head syndrome dangerous?
A: Despite its provocative name, exploding head syndrome is harmless. However, it is important to distinguish an episode of exploding head syndrome from other conditions, particularly from various types of headaches.

Q: Can exploding head syndrome be prevented?
A: Changing their sleeping position to avoid sleeping on their back, adjusting their sleep patterns, and deploying mindfulness techniques were all reported to be effective strategies for preventing episodes. However, whether any of these techniques prove to be effective in clinical trials remains to be seen.