It may sound like an over-the-top, slightly hysterical description of a sleeping problem but 'exploding head syndrome' is a real health condition; thankfully is not as dangerous or fatal as its name indicates.
The good news is that sufferers' heads don't literally explode and sleep deprivation is often the top side effect. The bad news is scientists know very little about what triggers the 'explosion' and can only offer up simple common sense remedies, such as reducing stress, to help avoid the condition.
As Tech Times has reported, the condition leaves sufferers with the feeling that they've heard insanely loud noises, typically just as they're falling asleep, such as a thunder clap or gun shot.
"The sound is terrifying - super loud, like someone has broken in," Marie Raymond of Seattle told a media outlet. "But when I get up to look around, nothing's amiss and everything's quiet."
The most recent research on the issue, a study published in the Journal of Sleep Research, reveals it may be due to auditory neurons, which instead of turning off slowly and gradually, crash simultaneously, igniting a combustive sound only the person involved can hear.
While that study claims the condition happens more among young people than old, other research notes it's also common among those ages 50 and older, and more among females than males.
Several sleep-focused resource organizations call 'exploding head syndrome' a parasomnia experience in that sleep is accompanied by unexpected and unwanted events. In this case it's an extremely loud 'sound' or noise that often wakes someone up as they fall off to sleep and leaves them wondering if something physical has happened, such as a car crash, bomb explosion or a clash of cymbals.
While there is no physical ailment or danger related to the condition many sufferers initially believe they may be experiencing a stroke or a brain tumor. Sometimes the 'explosions' can happen several times in one night or sleeping timeframe, sometimes it's a one-time occurrence.
Oftentimes people report a flash of light accompanies the sound, similar to what some migraine sufferers experience. Yet there is rarely any pain reported with the condition, unlike the typical headache or migraine episode.
"Attacks can increase or decrease with time, and can disappear for long stretches at a time, or entirely, of their own volition. Subjects often feel fear or distress after the incident," states the Sleep Association website regarding the syndrome.
Remedies include increasing sleep and eliminating any stressful issues, and incorporating relaxation exercises, such as yoga, into the daily routine. A hot bath and relaxing music before bedtime can also help avoid the condition.
Photo: Sarah | Flickr
