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As you drift off to bed, the silence of the night is suddenly shattered by the sound of a gunshot, a gunshot, or a bomb exploding in your head. Your pulse quickens and you become acutely aware. Exploding head syndrome is a confusing sensation that is not a dream.
A medical condition known as “exploding head syndrome” (EHS) is characterized by hearing loud noises immediately before falling asleep or waking up (Healthline). Those who are faced with this phenomenon may find it disturbing and confusing. EHS is not a painful disorder, but it can significantly reduce a person’s quality of life. If you’ve been through this, you’re not alone; According to the Mayo Clinic, EHS affects about 10% of people, which is more than you might think.
Although mostly mild, it can be uncomfortable and disrupt sleep. By looking at the characteristics of this phenomenon, as well as possible causes and coping mechanisms, we can better understand this confusing experience.
Read more: Surprising Side Effects Of Lying In Bed Too Much
when you hear loud noises before going to sleep
Possible Causes Of EHS
As to what causes EHS, experts have several hypotheses. For example, excessive fatigue and stress are thought to contribute to EHS (Healthline). These episodes occur more frequently when stress or fatigue is at a high level.
According to 2020 research published in Sleep Medicine Reviews, EHS can be brought on by hyperactivity in the auditory cortex, the area of the brain that processes sound. Other variables, such as stress or lack of sleep, can also contribute to this hyperactivity. EHS episodes often appear during sleep-wake transitions, suggesting possible links to disruptions in the brain’s sleep-wake cycle.
In addition to mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression, EHS frequently coexists with other sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep paralysis. Additionally, EHS has been reported as a side effect of antidepressants and benzodiazepines, among other medications. Some EHS patients have problems with their inner ear (Cleveland Clinic). Sudden changes or obstructions in the middle ear may cause loud noises at the onset of sleep.
The link between EHS and other sleep disorders, such as insomnia and sleep paralysis, as well as diseases such as anxiety and depression, has been confirmed in a 2021 study published in Case Reports in Neurology. This suggests that these issues may affect the development of EHS. In addition, reports of EHS running in families provide some indication that the condition may have a genetic component.
What To Do If You Suspect You Have EHS
It’s a good idea to keep a notebook if you suspect you may be suffering from EHS. In it, note how often it happens, what causes it, and any other health problems or problems you think may be linked. It is important to consult a health care provider if you are concerned about how head syndrome may affect your general health or sleep quality.
You may be referred to a neurologist or sleep expert by your primary care physician. To guarantee an accurate diagnosis and to find and rule out possible underlying causes, they may perform a medical evaluation. A sleep study is a non-invasive test that tracks your eye movements, brain waves and other physiological characteristics while you sleep. In some situations, they may even do this.
Although EHS itself is not dangerous, it can seriously interfere with your ability to sleep and increase stress or anxiety. Healthcare professionals may recommend various treatments or interventions, such as stress management, medication, and lifestyle changes, if episodes are particularly distressing or frequent. By following these steps you can get the help you need to improve your overall quality of sleep.
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