Exploding head syndrome (EHS) is one of the least documented sleep disorders. This is an unusual condition and is generally described as “parasomnia”, which involves unwanted happenings during sleep, such as sleep walking, night terrors, myoclonic jerks, and it can disrupt sleep. Usually, exploding head syndrome attacks usually happen when a person is going off to sleep, although sometimes, exploding head syndrome attacks can occur even when a person is awake.
What really happens during an attack?
Exploding head syndrome was first described by Robert Armstrong-Jones way back in 1920. It was said to be an exploding sensation in the head that can disrupt sleep of anyone with exploding head syndrome attacks. Symptoms of EHS usually happen right before a person falls asleep, these include:
- Clash of cymbals
- Bomb explosion
- Gunshot
- Loud bang that is painless
- Door Slamming
- Buzzing sound
- Loud sound may be accompanied with flashes of light
During occurrence of symptoms, a kick of adrenaline will be felt going through the head multiple times. That is why, a person with Exploding head syndrome experiences an increased heart rate, thus resulting to anxiety.
How to Control Exploding Head Syndrome:
- Always keep in mind that exploding head syndrome is not fatal, since it does not cause any damage to the brain and it is painless. This way, anxiety and fear can be lessened. However, EHS can usually cause an increase in the heart rate.
- It is believed that stress can trigger attacks of exploding head syndrome and other parasomnias. Taking steps in controlling stress levels, like relaxation techniques, psychotherapy and breathing exercises, can be helpful in the reduction of levels of stress.
- Physical exhaustion or fatigue can also trigger parasomnias, including exploding head syndrome. Avoiding too much physical exertion and getting enough rest and sleep everyday can help in preventing attacks of exploding head syndrome.
- Schedule an appointment with the physician, so that several tests may be done to help in determining the cause or causes of symptoms. Usually, people suffering from exploding head syndrome are prescribed with Clomipramine, a type of antidepressant medication, which is effective in preventing attacks of EHS.
If exploding head syndrome is not controlled, a bigger chance of developing other sleep disorders, such as insomnia, may develop, since attacks of exploding head syndrome happen between awake and sleep state. People with EHS will begin to be afraid in falling asleep.
