About once or twice a week, I hear a loud sound in my head right before I fall asleep. It's a rushing, roaring, hollow sort of banging-thud. It pulls me back up out of sleep and leaves me dazed for a few minutes, but then I drift back down and all is well. I've had this for as long as I can remember, and while it can be startling at times, it's never seemed that big of a deal. The body in that state halfway between sleep and wake is a curious thing. I always assumed it was the blood rushing in my ears or maybe all the stories in my head trying to push their way out.
Well, it seems that I have Exploding Head Syndrome. I swear, I am not joking about this one. It's a real thing.
American Sleep Association - Exploding Head Syndrome
And if I think back on it, it does happen more frequently when I'm stressed. For the most part, I go to bed when I'm tired and wake up on my own, sans alarm, so if it's because of sleep deprivation, I'll blame it on my dog. Sometimes he wakes me up before I'm ready to get up.
It's not terrible enough to run to the doctor and demand medicine, which, no doubt, would have far worse side effects than a little noise in my head. I do think they could have given it a slightly less alarming name, although, to be honest, Exploding Head Syndrome seems sort of the perfect thing for a writer of the dark and creepy to have.
So there you have it. I have an exploding head. Who knew?
Friday, August 6, 2010
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
5 comments:
I am absolutely baffled that such a thing exists! And stunned. And kind of amazed in an awe-inspired way. I'm so sorry that you have to go though it, but WOW. That's so hardcore!
-Mercedes
I know, Mercedes, it's so bizarre. It feels strange to know that weird sound I hear sometimes is 'something', as opposed to a normal bit of night noise in my head as I'd always assumed it was.
Unbelievable. And, I'd hate that.
I have 'Restless Legs Syndrome' which is a world away from being as cool sounding.
Cate, I know someone who had RLS. You have my sympathies; I know it can be terrible.
You're the second writer I've come across in less than a month whose blog mentions this affliction. (She had to look it up to convince her blog readers there was such a thing too. :) ) The other is AW's Daydreamer76 (aka Julie Loden).
Post a Comment