What is Exploding Head Syndrome?

Relax. Exploding head syndrome isn't as bad as it sounds. People with exploding head syndrome will not recreate that infamous scene in Scanners (1981.)

Still, you do not want to get exploding head syndrome.  This is a strange sleep disorder where people hear sudden explosions or very loud crashes as they try to fall asleep.  After being pried off of the ceiling and changing their underwear, you can appreciate that it's very difficult for these folks to get back to sleep.

Other symptoms include waking up after hearing the noise in a cold sweat, having a metallic taste in the mouth, panting and very rapid heart rate.  All of these symptoms are also associated with fear.

People with exploding head syndrome may also hear voices calling out their names as they try to fall asleep.  This symptom is common to many people, but it rarely interrupts a good night's sleep.  Heck, I have it myself and I'm so used to it that it barely registers in my brain before I'm back asleep.

There is no known cause for exploding head syndrome, although it is thought to be triggered by periods of stress.  Of course, being waked every night by loud CRASH! BANG! BOOM! is stressful enough for most folks.  It is hypothesized that the stress somehow effects the middle ear, which causes the phantom noises.

Anyway, this is not a new phenomenon.  It was first described in 1920 and explained as "a snapping of the brain."  People most prone to exploding head syndrome are folks over 50.  Since this sleep condition comes and goes, many people with it may decide not to talk to their doctors about it when it eventually goes away.

There is no known cure for exploding head syndrome.

Sleep tight, kids.