Hello everyone, how are you today? Well, can I ask you a simple question – have you ever been jolted awake by the sensation of falling, just as you were drifting off to sleep? Well, if your answer is yes, then you’re in the right place! And no – you’re not weird, because there are many people around the world, who are experiencing the same thing! Just take a look at the article below and find out more about this!
Here’s what you need to know – well, these involuntary muscle twitches in the arms, legs, or entire body are called hypnic Jerks (or sleep starts), and they’re very common. You’ll be shocked when we tell you that up to 70 percent of people experience them occasionally—but no one knows exactly what causes them.
Well, the experts have some theories. One is that they’re a result of the natural downshifting of the nervous system that occurs as you’re falling asleep: As your breathing and heart rate slow down and your body temperature drops, your muscle tone shifts, and these twitches occur during this transition. Another theory suggests that as you’re drifting off to sleep, your brain misinterprets the relaxing of your muscles as a sign that you’re actually falling and signals your muscles to tense up, in order to protect you.
But, you shouldn’t be worried, because hypnic jerks are nothing to worry about. If one wakes you up, simply roll over and go back to sleep. And, remember – a high caffeine intake, strenuous evening activities, emotional stress, or sleep deprivation may increase the frequency and intensity of hypnic jerks. If you suspect that one of these factors may be worsening your nighttime muscle twitches, try cutting back on caffeine, using relaxation techniques to help you decompress, or practicing better sleep hygiene.
Note: if the jerks themselves, or your anxiety about having them, prevent you from getting enough sleep, you should see your doctor. We really hope you find this article helpful and don’t forget to share it with your friends and family members. Thank you and have a nice day!