Although frightening, the disorder appears to be largely harmless

May 7, 2014 20:59 GMT  ·  By

In a recent issue of the journal Sleep Medicine Reviews, specialist Brian Sharpless with the Washington State University in the US explains that, although it is yet to be thoroughly researched, the so-called exploding head syndrome is very much real.

Contrary to what some might expect, the exploding head syndrome has nothing to do with the discomfort and headache one might experience after indulging in one too many sips of wine while enjoying a night out with friends.

According to Brian Sharpless, people who suffer from this condition find themselves hearing loud and abrupt noises either when trying to go to sleep or when waking up. Thus, the exploding head syndrome is included in the International Classification of Sleep Disorders.

The syndrome was first documented by science back in 1920. Researchers are yet to figure out what causes it, but they suspect that it occurs whenever the body fails to shut down for sleep in the proper sequence.

“Instead of shutting down, certain groups of neurons actually get activated and have us perceive the bursts of noise. Behavioral and psychological factors come into play as well, and if you have normally disrupted sleep, the episodes will be more likely to occur,” Brian Sharpless says.

EurekAlert explains that, as detailed in the scientific literature on the topic, the loud and abrupt noises that people suffering from this sleep disorder perceive are similar to those produced when doors are slammed, fireworks explode, or gunshots are fired.

In his paper, researcher Brian Sharpless details that, on some occasions, the exploding head syndrome cause people to hear loud noises in just one ear. It can also happen that the noises are heard in both ears, maybe even from inside the skull.

Interestingly enough, some of the people affected by this condition have also reported seeing lighting or bright flashes that appeared pretty much out of nowhere, the psychologist goes on to explain in the journal Sleep Medicine Reviews.

Despite the fact that such episodes of hearing loud noises and seeing flashes of light are largely harmless, Brian Sharpless stresses that, in time, they can take their toll on a person's wellbeing, and especially on their quality of life.

“Some people start to become anxious when they go into their bedroom or when they try to go to sleep. Daytime sleepiness can be another problem for people,” the Washington State University psychologist explains.

“It's a provocative and understudied phenomenon. I've worked with some individuals who have it seven times a night, so it can lead to bad clinical consequences as well,” Brian Sharpless adds.