Introduction: Have you ever been woken up in the middle of the night time by a loud noise or intense pain that seemed in the future from inside your face? If so, you might have experienced something called exploding head syndrome (EHS). This phenomenon is referred to as an immediate, loud bang or explosion in the head. While it could be startling and even painful, EHS is not life-threatening and doesn't cause any physical harm. Let's explore what somnology is, how it affects people, and what treatments are available for those who experience this condition.
What's Exploding Head Syndrome?
Exploding head syndrome (EHS) can be an uncommon sleep disorder that creates people to have sudden noises or sensations of pain inside their heads while they sleep. The noise can range from a noisy boom to a thunderclap. Sometimes, people may also experience a sensation of pressure or pain inside their heads at exactly the same time. It usually happens prior to or upon waking up, although it may also occur during periods of wakefulness.
EHS tends to affect people involving the ages of 15 and 60; however, it could occur at any age. Some episodes only last for a couple seconds, they can be extremely frightening and disorienting. Some individuals could even end up screaming aloud if they experience a bout of EHS.
What Causes Exploding Head Syndrome?
Experts aren't sure just what causes EHS but there are numerous theories about potential triggers for the condition. Anxiety and stress are considered to play a role because so many people with EHS report experiencing more episodes when they're feeling particularly anxious or stressed out. Other possible triggers include fatigue, alcohol consumption, certain medications, and certain forms of food such as caffeine or chocolate. Additionally it is possible that EHS could be due to changes in brain chemistry due to changes in hormones during puberty or menopause.
Treatment Options for Exploding Head Syndrome
Fortunately, you will find treatment options available for folks who suffer from EHS. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been found to work in reducing symptoms associated with EHS by helping patients identify and address anxious thoughts and behaviors that could trigger episodes of EHS. Relaxation techniques such as for instance mindfulness meditation have also been shown to greatly help reduce stress levels which could potentially lessen the frequency and intensity of episodes associated with this particular condition along with improve overall sleep quality overall. In addition to these treatments, medications such as for example antidepressants may be prescribed if needed to greatly help regulate sleep cycles and reduce anxiety levels which could potentially lead to fewer episodes of EHS over time.
Conclusion: All in all, exploding head syndrome is an unusual but relatively harmless condition that affects lots of people all over the world every day—some without even realizing it! While there's no cure for this problem today, you will find treatments available that will help manage symptoms associated with it such as for instance cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness meditation, and medication if necessary – rendering it easier for folks who suffer with EHS to get better restorative sleep each night without interruption from unexpected bangs or explosions coming from within their own heads!