Some people hear a loud, imaginary explosion as they're falling asleep—a phenomenon called Exploding Head Syndrome.

Exploding Head Syndrome (EHS) is a type of parasomnia first documented by neurologist Silas Weir Mitchell in 1876. Normally, as we transition from wakefulness to sleep, the brain's reticular formation gradually shuts down sensory processing. In people with EHS, this shutdown is delayed, causing a sudden burst of neural activity in the auditory neurons that creates the illusion of a loud sound.A 2015 study from Washington State University found that approximately 18 percent of college students had experienced at least one episode of EHS. The phantom sounds are typically described as bomb explosions, loud door slams, or thunderclaps. Despite its alarming name, EHS involves no actual pain or physical injury.Neurologists identify stress and sleep deprivation as the primary triggers for these auditory hallucinations. When the body is under significant stress, the brain's ability to regulate sound processing becomes unstable. Some research has also suggested a possible link between EHS and minor temporal lobe seizures, though this remains a less established theory.Clinical reviews published in the Journal of Sleep Research confirm that EHS is a benign condition requiring no treatment in most cases. However, if episodes significantly disrupt sleep quality, medical consultation may be helpful. For many patients, simply understanding the neurological mechanism behind the "explosion" reduces anxiety and helps prevent future occurrences.