What is Exploding head syndrome
Exploding head syndrome (EHS) is a type of parasomnia characterized by the perception of loud noises or a sensation of a sudden explosion in the head while falling asleep or waking up. Here are the key aspects of this phenomenon:
Symptoms
- Loud Noises: Individuals may hear imagined sounds like explosions, gunshots, or other startling noises. These sounds are not real and occur in the mind.
- Sudden Awakenings: EHS typically happens during the transition between sleep and wakefulness, causing a sudden awakening.
- No Physical Pain: While the experience can be frightening, it usually does not cause physical pain or discomfort.
- Fear and Anxiety: The suddenness and intensity of the experience can lead to feelings of fear, anxiety, or distress.
Causes
The exact cause of exploding head syndrome is not well understood, but it may be related to:
- Sleep Disorders: Conditions like insomnia or sleep deprivation can increase the likelihood of EHS episodes.
- Stress and Anxiety: High levels of stress or anxiety may contribute to the occurrence of these episodes.
- Neurological Factors: Some research suggests that EHS may be linked to abnormal brain activity during the transition between sleep stages.
Diagnosis
EHS is primarily diagnosed through:
- Medical History: A detailed account of symptoms, frequency, and context of the episodes.
- Exclusion of Other Conditions: Ruling out other sleep disorders or medical conditions that might cause similar symptoms.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for exploding head syndrome, but some strategies may help manage the experience:
- Sleep Hygiene: Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, creating a calming bedtime routine, and improving sleep environment can be beneficial.
- Stress Management: Techniques such as relaxation exercises, meditation, or therapy can help reduce stress and anxiety levels.
- Consultation with a Specialist: In cases where episodes are frequent or distressing, speaking with a healthcare provider or sleep specialist may provide additional support and options.
While EHS can be alarming, it is generally considered harmless and not linked to any serious underlying health issues.
A few Sleep Disorders we Treat
Sleep Apnea
Insomnia
Narcolepsy
Excessive Sleep Syndrome
Circadian rhythm disorders
Periodic leg movement disorder
Snoring
Other Sleep Disorders
Office Locations
Conveniently located near you in Loudoun and Fairfax VA
NOVA Pulmonary – Dulles
24430 Stone Springs Boulevard
Suite 550
Dulles, VA 20166
NOVA Pulmonary – Lansdowne
19415 Deerfield Avenue
Suite 301
Landsdowne, VA 20176
Meet the team at NOVA Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Associates

Dr. Aditya N Dubey, M.D, F.C.C.P. – Founder
Specialty:
Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine
Board Certified by American Board of Internal Medicine in the Subspecialities of Pulmonary Medicine, Critical Care Medicine and Sleep Medicine. Learn more about Dr. Dubey

Dr. Petra Thomas, M.D.
Specialty:
Pulmonary Medicine
Board Certified by American Board of Internal Medicine in the Subspecialities of Pulmonary Medicine. Learn more about Dr. Thomas

Dr. Arman Murabia, M.D.
Specialty:
Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine
Board Certified by American Board of Internal Medicine in the Subspecialities of Pulmonary Medicine, Critical Care Medicine and Sleep Medicine. Learn more about Dr. Murabia

Paulos Abebe PA-C
Physician Assistant Learn more about Paulos Abebe PA-C

Rebekah Lee, AGNP-C
Nurse Practitioner. Learn more about Rebekah Lee

Christine Amorosi, AGNP-C
Nurse Practitioner. Learn more about Christine Amorosie