The First (!) Study of Photic Sneezers

When I'm outside on a bright day, if the light is just right, I'll have a sneezing attack. Have you ever experienced that? It's crazy and sort of enjoyable in the way that sneezing can be if you enjoy that sort of thing.


I've heard that the photic sneeze is something that many, but not all people, experience. Apparently it's only just been formally studied for the first time.

Exposure to bright light such as sunlight elicits a sneeze or prickling sensation in about one of every four individuals. This study presents the first scientific examination of this phenomenon, called ‘the photic sneeze reflex’.

Here is the actual research article:
http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0009208