Popping flash of white light when falling asleep

Last night as I was falling asleep, there was this flash of white light in my eyes while they were closed. It was like a light bulb popping and my face got kind of tingly. I've been using the computer a lot so I've had some eye stain and head has felt swollen. What exactly happened? It scared the crap out of me. I was just starting to imagine things like going into a dream and then POP! I woke up.

Hi Strumn! I've had very similar episodes also, probably at least a few times a year for as long as I can remember. Mine will often, but not always, be associated with what I perceive as a loud bang.

It's like a #@&%! flashbulb going off in your brain!

From what I understand, that's sorta what it really is except it's an electrical discharge happening in the circuitry of your brain.

Sorta like when your home theater system gets hit by lightning. ;)

....and yes it's very often a result of exhaustion.