How dangerous is this phenomenon?

Scary sleep disorders

Is Exploding Head Syndrome Dangerous?

Exploding head syndrome may sound dangerous and scary to some sufferers, but it is actually not dangerous. Read what’s behind it.

According to the International Classification System for Sleep Disorders, Exploding Head Syndrome is a parasomnia. In all parasomnias, including night terrors and sleepwalking, unusual experiences or behaviors occur during sleep or in the transition between sleep and wakefulness.

A characteristic feature of exploding head syndrome is the perception of loud, explosive sounds when falling asleep or waking up. Such episodes usually last less than a second. Those affected often wake up suddenly and feel afraid or anxious, sometimes accompanied by palpitations, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and/or sweating. Some have difficulty falling asleep again afterward.

The noise experienced in exploding head syndrome can sound different. Many people affected described it as a powerful explosion, gunshot or thunder. To others, it sounds more like a storm, drums, breaking glass, or a crash in a car accident.

Although the noise seems completely real, it is not: it is not caused by sound waves and therefore cannot be heard by other people. Exploding head syndrome cannot cause damage to the ears or brain.

Exploding head syndrome is also painless. However, other symptoms can also accompany the perception of noise, such as flashes of light or muscle twitching.

The frequency with which exploding head syndrome occurs can vary greatly: sometimes it occurs several times in one night or several nights in a row, sometimes it stops for weeks or even months. However, the noise can also occur without the affected person realizing or remembering it the next day.

Anyone who sleeps on their back may have an increased risk of exploding head syndrome. However, the exact cause of noise perception remains unclear. There are several possible explanations, including dysfunction in the brain stem, problems with the inner ear, or an imbalance in the chemicals that transmit nerve signals.

However, experts agree that exploding head syndrome is a harmless disorder. The main problem is the physical and psychological stress experienced by those affected due to sleep disturbances and/or concerns about their health.

Looking for symptoms of exploding head syndrome through a doctor can also lead to unnecessary tests and treatment if another problem is suspected to be the cause (such as headache disorders, nighttime panic attacks, nocturnal seizures, or post-traumatic stress disorder). Misdiagnosis like this is quite common and adds to the burden on those affected.

Although exploding head syndrome may be frightening when it first occurs, the perception of the noise itself does not require treatment. If the symptoms increase and affect your health, it is still recommended to seek medical help.

Noise at night often goes away simply because the person affected learns that the noise is not harmful. If not, stress management methods (such as bedtime relaxation techniques), healthy sleep habits, and treatment of co-occurring sleep disorders may help. However, there is no therapy that specifically prevents exploding head syndrome.