Loud noises during sleep transition may occur with stress
BLAM!
Sudden loud noises around sleep transitions may also occur as part of a condition called exploding head syndrome.
What is exploding head syndrome?
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Symptoms
Exploding head syndrome may almost sound like a made-up name.
You might envision a head popping like a balloon as you might see on a cartoon.
This parasomnia involves the experience of hearing a loud bang within one’s head.
The condition can be greatly upsetting and distressing, especially if it is not initially understood.
It may cause confusion and concern about a serious underlying cause.
Fortunately, there is no pain or other physical symptoms associated with it.
It is during this phase of sleep that growth hormone is released.
Its precise cause is not known.
These overlap states can lead to bizarre sensory experiences.
Exploding head syndrome often occurs in association with extreme fatigue or high levels of stress.
The attacks may vary over time, and sometimes abruptly cease for long periods.
It may occur once and never again.
Disorders that fragment sleep may also play a role.
For example,obstructive sleep apneamay cause sudden awakenings from sleep to restore breathing.
This may fragment sleep stages, and lead to an abrupt transition from deep sleep to wakefulness.
Though less common,narcolepsymay also lead to these sudden transitions in consciousness.
It is also possible for environmental disturbances to fragment sleep.
Noise may lead to sleep fragmentation and this might precipitate an episode.
Sleep apnea may be treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy or oral appliance use.
Narcolepsy may be treated with medications, including the use ofsodium oxybate.
In some cases, the tricyclic antidepressant called clomipramine may be a useful option.
Fortunately, this is usually not necessary.
