What is 'Exploding Head Syndrome'?
Some people experience the phenomenon of hearing an explosion in their head when they fall asleep. Dan Dennis, a lecturer in psychology at the University of York, explains what this condition, called 'Exploding Head Syndrome (EHS),' is and whether it is harmful.
Waking up with a bang? It could be 'exploding head syndrome'
EHS belongs to a family of sleep disorders known as parasomnias , and a common symptom is hearing a loud noise in the head as you transition to sleep. The sound can be anything from a gunshot to a door slamming or someone screaming. What's unique about it is that the sound is always short and very loud, but there is no actual noise happening around you.
EHS has been identified since at least 1876, and is said to have been experienced by French philosopher and scientist René Descartes. But despite its long history, Dennis says, surprisingly little is known about the condition.
Early studies have shown that 11% of healthy adults experience EHS, and another study of college students found that 17% of those surveyed experienced EHS multiple times in their lifetime. Dennis' own survey of college students found that one-third of the sample experienced EHS at least once in their lifetime, and about 6% experienced EHS at least once a month.
'These studies show that EHS is a relatively common experience, at least in young adults, but it appears to be less common than other sleep disorders, such as jerking , which are seen in up to 70 percent of people,' Dennis said. He explained that the lack of sample data worldwide makes it difficult to estimate how many people actually experience EHS.
The exact cause of EHS is unknown. There are many theories as to why, but the most well-known one is that it involves a natural process in the brain that occurs when we transition from wakefulness to sleep. In general, when we transition from wakefulness to sleep, activity in the reticular formation, which acts as the brain's 'on/off' switch, decreases, and the sensory cortex, which controls vision, hearing, movement, etc., begins to shut down. One theory is that EHS results from a disruption of this process, and delayed and disjointed neuronal activation is perceived as a loud noise.
While the causes of EHS remain a matter of speculation, researchers are beginning to understand what factors make people more susceptible to EHS. Dennis' research has shown that 'well-being variables,' such as stress in your life, are associated with experiencing EHS. While these variables are not directly related to EHS, they may make people more susceptible to EHS by disrupting normal sleep patterns.
Such EHS is generally considered harmless because it is very short, usually painless, mild, and temporary.
'But that doesn't mean EHS can't be a scary experience. Surveys of people who have experienced EHS have found that 45% of respondents reported moderate to severe levels of fear associated with EHS. Unfortunately, there are no studies that have explored potential treatments or coping strategies for people struggling with the pain of EHS. Recent studies have reported that changing positions to avoid sleeping on your back, adjusting sleep patterns, and using mindfulness techniques are effective strategies for preventing EHS, but it remains to be seen whether these will prove effective in clinical trials,' he said.
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