Who knew? Is there really such a thing as "Exploding Head Syndrome"?
For several months now I been awakened out of a deep sleep by a very loud noise. One time it sounded like a door inside my house had slammed shut. I got up and looked around; everything was normal. I stayed awake for a while wondering what it could have been, and finally went back to sleep. Another time it sounded like a loud crash, as if a heavy mirror or picture had fallen off the wall. Again, I got up and investigated; nothing. I asked my husband if he had heard anything; no. Just last night, I awoke at 4:11 a.m. when I heard a loud boom, like a gun shot or an explosion. My husband was away so I couldn't check with him. First I checked the time, so I would know exactly when it had happened in case something was on the news later. Then I began listening for sirens, thinking certainly there would be emergency responders rushing to the scene. I turned on the television to see if there was breaking news about an explosion in the area. There was nothing; everything was perfectly normal. I was shaken up and couldn't go back to sleep. I took a xanax and slept for four more hours.
This morning I decided to investigate. I googled "loud noises while sleeping". To my surprise I found "Exploding Head Syndrome". It sounded ridiculous but I kept finding medical references to it. It says it is a benign condition and there isn't much you can do about it, though some mentioned one specific anti-depressant that sometimes helps. I guess I won't worry about it too much; it's just weird.
2 comments:
Well,who knew?! I thought "hmmm, Judy has some issues" (just teasing)but I searched and found the same things you did. How the heck would you determine between the phantom head noises and real calls to action in the middle of the night?
Did you notice the connection with stress and fatigue? More chocolate and warm milk at bedtime...Dee
Oh, I'm glad you don't think I have issues. Actually, you raise good question... how to determine the phantom from the real? One good indicator is whether my cats are reacting in alarm. I usually have two or three of them in the room with me. If they are acting scared or run, I will know it's a real situation!
I haven't noticed the connection with stress or fatigue. I wondered about that when i read it. Maybe I should do some yoga right before bed. I like the idea of chocolate, too!
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