Symptom 3: Flashing Lights
Sensory experiences during an EHS episode aren’t restricted to just the auditory domain. Many report vivid, flashing lights accompanying the jarring sounds. Picture lying in a dark room, teetering on the edge of sleep, when suddenly, it’s as if someone’s flicked on a strobe light inside your eyes.
Now, while we might be familiar with seeing “stars” after a sudden head movement or a sneeze, the phenomenon during EHS is more intense. Some describe it as lightning streaks, while others liken it to the flash of a camera. The visual cortex, responsible for processing sight, might be hyper-stimulated during these episodes, leading to these visual aberrations.
One could ponder if this is the brain’s version of a light show, coordinating with the cacophony of sounds. However, it’s more likely an involuntary response, another manifestation of the brain’s heightened activity during an episode.
For individuals who experience these flashes, the visuals can be disconcerting. Not only do they intensify the overall experience, but they also add another layer of interruption to the sleep cycle. Many, in their attempts to understand the phenomenon, have sought ophthalmological advice, only to find their eyes in perfect health.
The realization here is two-fold. Firstly, just like the sounds, these flashes aren’t indicative of any ocular issue. And secondly, knowledge about their harmless nature can be comforting, ensuring that individuals don’t spiral into unwarranted health concerns. (3)
