14 DAY TRIAL // You know how sometimes when you sleep at night you’re suddenly woken by these odd loud noises, as if an explosion happened somewhere deep inside your head?
If you do, chances are you’re suffering from the so-called exploding head syndrome, a condition that was first documented in 1920 and whose symptoms are hearing loud and abrupt noises either during sleep or when waking up.
According to a new research paper authored by scientists at Washington State University, this condition is more common that assumed. Specifically, the specialists say that about 18% of young people are affected by it.
Besides, it appears that, of these exploding head syndrome sufferers, roughly 30% also experience isolated sleep paralysis, meaning that they sometimes find themselves unable to move or speak when waking up.
It is believed that the exploding head syndrome is the result of the brain’s failure to properly shut down, meaning that, instead of going to bed as expected of them, some neurons turn hyperactive and make people imagine noises.
Although the condition was documented decades ago, proper treatments and even diagnosis methods have not yet been developed, the Washington State University researchers explain.
“Unfortunately for this minority of individuals, no well-articulated or empirically supported treatments are available, and very few clinicians or researchers assess for it,” said specialist Brian Sharpless in a statement.