Exploding Head Syndrome

[thundley4]

Have you heard of “exploding head syndrome?” Contrary to how it might sound, those suffering from the condition don’t actually have exploding heads, but experience frighteningly loud noises.

It’s a rare phenomenon where a person is awoken by a loud noise that didn’t actually happen in reality — it’s all in their mind. Scientists at Washington State University recently conducted a study that found that a significant number young people reported having such experiences, while previous studies suggested it happened most often in older adults.

According to a news release from the university, the cause of the phenomenon is not officially known, but researchers believe it happens when the brain is shutting down for sleep. Here’s how the American Sleep Association describes it (emphasis added):

Exploding head syndrome is a rare and relatively undocumented parasomnia event in which the subject experiences a loud bang in their head similar to a bomb exploding, a gun going off, a clash of cymbals or any other form of loud, indecipherable noise that seems to originate from inside the head. Contrary to the name, exploding head syndrome has no elements of pain, swelling or any other physical trait associated with it. They may be perceived as having bright flashes of light accompanying them, or result in shortness of breath, though this is likely caused by the increased heart rate of the subject after experiencing it. It most often occurs just before deep sleep, and sometimes upon coming out of deep sleep.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2015/03/30/theres-a-condition-known-as-exploding-head-syndrome-and-apparently-more-people-have-it-than-previously-thought/

So glad it isn't just me. I've had this happen but only when I'm falling asleep.  I don't hear an explosion, but more of a banging sound like someone hitting a a tinfoil pie pan.

When it happens, which is infrequently, I'm usually wide awake for a couple more hours. 

[obumazombie]

I sure hope it's not contagious.

[thundley4]

I sure hope it's not contagious.

Only the type that DUmmies suffer from is contagious. Witness their communal reaction to Indiana recently.

[Wayne]

  I dont have that butt I do have "when your head hits the pillow you are wide awake."

[freedumb2003b]

  I dont have that butt I do have "when your head hits the pillow you are wide awake."

Insomnia stalks me like Satan himself.  I try playing movies in my head but I get all the way to the credits and am still wide awake.  In the meantime every stupid thing I have ever done invades my brain like Space Invaders with 205 versions, with associated regrets.

And coming here doesn't help b/c all y'all are asleep.

[thundley4]

Insomnia stalks me like Satan himself.  I try playing movies in my head but I get all the way to the credits and am still wide awake.  In the meantime every stupid thing I have ever done invades my brain like Space Invaders with 205 versions, with associated regrets.

And coming here doesn't help b/c all y'all are asleep.

This place seems to get very quiet after 10:30 pm or so.

[obumazombie]

^I second that emotion...-Smokey Robinson-

[njpines]

This only happens to me at work when the gov't shows up

[dixierose]

Insomnia stalks me like Satan himself.  I try playing movies in my head but I get all the way to the credits and am still wide awake.  In the meantime every stupid thing I have ever done invades my brain like Space Invaders with 205 versions, with associated regrets.

And coming here doesn't help b/c all y'all are asleep.

I use ZQuil on nights I can't get to sleep. That stuff is awesome!

[J P Sousa]

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2015/03/30/theres-a-condition-known-as-exploding-head-syndrome-and-apparently-more-people-have-it-than-previously-thought/

So glad it isn't just me. I've had this happen but only when I'm falling asleep.  I don't hear an explosion, but more of a banging sound like someone hitting a a tinfoil pie pan.

When it happens, which is infrequently, I'm usually wide awake for a couple more hours. 

Sleep Apnea ???

I have sleep Apnea, that noise rarely happens anymore since I bought and use a Bi-Pap.

[thundley4]

Sleep Apnea ???

I have sleep Apnea, that noise rarely happens anymore since I bought and use a Bi-Pap.

Nah, it's just an internal noise that snaps me awake. No problem breathing or catching my breath when I wake up. I think it's too much caffeine.

I have very strange and vivid dreams, but I've always had them so a little noise isn't too weird.

[J P Sousa]

Nah, it's just an internal noise that snaps me awake. No problem breathing or catching my breath when I wake up. I think it's too much caffeine.

I have very strange and vivid dreams, but I've always had them so a little noise isn't too weird.

Beside that noise, I was always tired and snored a lot. The wife suggested I see the doc. He didn't believe in sleep Apnea but sent me to a study anyway. The doc was blown away by how "severe" it was according to the study.

[thundley4]

Beside that noise, I was always tired and snored a lot. The wife suggested I see the doc. He didn't believe in sleep Apnea but sent me to a study anyway. The doc was blown away by how "severe" it was according to the study.

My wife doesn't complain about my snoring, and the only other times I wake up is to go to the bathroom, but that is mainly from the coffee I drink all day long.

[Ptarmigan]

Only the type that DUmmies suffer from is contagious. Witness their communal reaction to Indiana recently.

Exploding heads that afflict DUmmies comes from their butthurt.