Exploding Head Syndrome, Sleep Paralysis, and the Hidden Psychology of Fear with Brian Sharpless

The Sensitivity Doctor

In this captivating episode, Dr. Amelia Kelley talks with Dr. Brian Sharpless, licensed clinical psychologist, researcher, and author who specializes in rare and unusual psychological disorders. Together, they dive deep into the strange and often frightening world of sleep phenomena—including exploding head syndrome, sleep paralysis, and REM sleep behavior disorder.

Dr. Sharpless explains why these conditions occur, how trauma and neurodiversity can increase vulnerability, and the surprising ways genetics, stress, and lifestyle play a role. He also shares practical strategies to reduce episodes, from regulating sleep hygiene to shifting sleeping positions, and highlights why simply naming and understanding these experiences can often bring relief.

This episode not only demystifies bizarre nighttime experiences but also shines a compassionate light on how our brains process fear, trauma, and memory through sleep.

Key Takeaways

• Exploding head syndrome is a real but harmless sleep-related hallucination that feels like hearing a gunshot, explosion, or crashing sound while falling asleep.
• Sleep paralysis often brings vivid, terrifying hallucinations—yet no one has ever died from it, and knowing this can reduce its intensity.
• Trauma and acute stress disrupt memory consolidation during sleep, making it harder to rest until healing work begins in waking life.
• Highly sensitive people and those with ADHD may be more prone to disturbed sleep due to heightened nervous system activation.
• Regulating bedtime routines, avoiding back-sleeping, reducing stimulation before bed, and addressing underlying trauma can dramatically improve sleep quality.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

Learn more about Dr. Brian A. Sharpless

Get his book: Monsters on the Couch: The Real Psychological Disorders Behind Your Favorite Horror Movies

EPISODE LINKS

Dr. Amelia Kelley: About | Dr. Kelley's Books | Instagram