Strange but True: The Science Behind Sneeze Myths

Everyone sneezes, but the myths surrounding this common reflex are as plentiful as they are strange. From beliefs about what triggers a sneeze to curious ideas about what happens when one sneezes, some of these tales sound almost unbelievable. Here’s a look at surprising facts that reveal the science behind popular sneeze myths.

Sneezing Can’t Actually Stop Your Heart

Many people believe that your heart briefly stops when you sneeze. In reality, sneezing doesn’t pause your heartbeat. What actually happens is a slight change in pressure inside your chest that can momentarily affect blood flow, but your heart keeps beating steadily throughout.

Bright Light Can Trigger a Sneeze

There’s a curious condition called photic sneeze reflex, where exposure to bright light causes sneezing. It affects about one in four people and is thought to happen because the nerves for blinking and sneezing get crossed, making sunlight a surprising sneeze trigger.

Holding in a Sneeze Can Be Dangerous

The idea that stifling a sneeze might cause harm isn’t just an old wives’ tale. While rare, suppressing a sneeze can increase pressure in your head and throat, potentially leading to injuries like a ruptured eardrum or damaged blood vessels. It’s usually safer to let it out.

Sneezes Travel at Amazing Speeds

When you sneeze, air can shoot out of your nose and mouth at speeds up to 100 miles per hour. This rapid burst helps clear irritants quickly but also explains why covering your mouth and nose is important to stop germs from spreading.

You Can Sneeze in Your Sleep—Or Can You?

Most people don’t sneeze while asleep because the reflex is suppressed during certain sleep stages. However, if something irritates your nose just as you’re waking up, you might sneeze right after opening your eyes, making it seem like you sneezed in your sleep.

Sneezes Often Happen in Pairs or More

It’s common to sneeze more than once in a row. This happens because the initial sneeze may not clear all irritants, prompting your body to try again. Some people even have sneezing fits that last several sneezes long.

Your Nose “Knows” When You’re About to Sneeze

That familiar tickle or itch before a sneeze is your nose’s way of signaling that something unwanted is inside. Tiny hairs and nerve endings detect irritants and send signals to your brain to prepare the powerful sneeze reflex.

Sneezing Isn’t Always a Sign of a Cold

While sneezing often accompanies a cold, it can also be triggered by allergies, strong smells, sudden temperature changes, or even eating spicy food. So, a sneeze doesn’t always mean you’re under the weather.

Some Animals Sneeze Too

Sneezing isn’t just a human quirk. Many animals, including dogs, cats, and even elephants, sneeze to clear their nasal passages. In some cases, animals use sneezing as a way to communicate or show excitement.

Sneezing Can Be Contagious—But Not for Reasons You Think

Seeing or hearing someone sneeze can sometimes trigger your own sneeze, a phenomenon called contagious sneezing. It’s not about germs but more about your brain mirroring actions, similar to yawning. This shared reflex makes sneezing oddly social.