In the days following recent air raid sirens in Kuwait, many residents have reported continued sensitivity to similar sounds, with some questioning if they are experiencing auditory hallucinations. Social media platforms have seen numerous posts from individuals who describe being startled by everyday noises or struggling to relax and sleep due to the persistent perception of sirens.
Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa, a Professor of Clinical Psychology at Kuwait University’s School of Medicine, explained that this response is a recognized psychological reaction known as hypervigilance. It commonly occurs after exposure to acute stress or frightening events, such as air raid warnings. Hypervigilance is part of a cluster of symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
According to Dr. Al-Mutawa, when a person experiences a perceived threat, the brain can remain in a state of heightened alertness. This hyper-alertness increases sensitivity to sounds, causing some people to mistake normal background noises—such as air conditioners, traffic, or household appliances—for the warning sirens or other threatening sounds. Occasionally, individuals may briefly believe they hear a siren even when none is present. However, the professor emphasized that this is usually an auditory illusion or a perceptual effect linked to stress, rather than a true hallucination.
He clarified that unlike hallucinations associated with psychiatric illnesses, those experiencing hypervigilance typically recognize the false nature of the perceived sound after checking their environment. Scientific research has consistently found that temporary symptoms like hypervigilance, intrusive memories, exaggerated startle reactions, and occasional perceptual distortions are common following traumatic or highly stressful events including wars, natural disasters, or emergencies.
Dr. Al-Mutawa noted that for most people, these symptoms tend to diminish over days or weeks as the nervous system gradually stabilizes. However, he advised that if symptoms persist for several weeks, become frequent, cause significant anxiety or sleep problems, or interfere with daily functioning, individuals should seek evaluation by mental health professionals to rule out conditions such as acute stress disorder or PTSD.
When asked whether such symptoms could become chronic, Dr. Al-Mutawa reassured that hypervigilance is usually temporary. He stated, “For most people, it disappears with time as the brain and body recover from the stressful experience.”