Exploding head syndrome a disruptive sleep disorder

If you think “the big bang theory” is an explanation of how the universe came into being or a nine-time Emmy Award-winning comedy starring Kaley Cuoco, Johnny Galecki and Jim Parsons, you’d be right.

But there’s another big bang that’s neither theoretical nor amusing.

It’s exploding head syndrome, also known as episodic cranial sensory shock, and it’s characterized by a loud bang or crash inside your head that jolts you just before or as you’re falling asleep.

If you’re one of the 10 to 15 percent of the population who has experienced this phenomena, don’t worry; you’re not losing your mind.

Some researchers believe this thunderous noise no one else can hear results from a minor temporal lobe seizure, brain stem dysfunction, a shift in middle-ear components or impaired calcium signaling (a neurotransmitting problem). Others think it’s a malfunction of how the brain shuts down as you enter sleep mode. In other words, it’s a sleep disorder.

Theremedy?doyourbesttohelp your body make the transition from wake to sleep slowly, shutting down one system at a time, as your laptop does.

Keep digital devices out of your bedroom, and control your headingto-sleep environment: Avoid alcohol and caffeine before turning in; make sure the bedroom is cool and quiet. If you’re still bothered by EHS, you can consult a neurologist to see if there is any treatable disturbance causing the symptoms.

For more sleep tips, go to sharecare.com or the American Sleep Association at sleepassociation.org.

Email questions for Mehmet Oz and Mike Roizen to youdocsdaily@ sharecare.com.