Woah, I’m falling! – Hypnic Jerks.

Ever get that feeling you’re falling off a cliff when you’re about to fall asleep? Hypnic jerks, also known as sleep starts, are involuntary muscle contractions that occur when the body is in the transitional stage between wakefulness and sleep. They are often accompanied by a feeling of falling. They are very common and are not usually a cause for concern.

Why don’t we delve deeper into the world of hypnic jerks, uncovering the science behind this fascinating sleep phenomenon?

Scientists do not fully understand the exact cause of hypnic jerks, but they believe that they are caused by a sudden change in the body’s electrical activity. When the body relaxes, the brain may misinterpret this as a signal that the body is falling. This can trigger a muscle contraction, which you may experience as a falling sensation.

Hypnic jerks can occur in anyone, but they are more common in children and young adults. They are also more common in people who are sleep-deprived or stressed.

In most cases, these jerks are harmless and do not require treatment. However, if they are frequent or severe, they can interfere with sleep. If you are concerned about this occurrence, talk to your doctor.

These jerks can also be embarrassing!

Imagine jolting awake from a hypnic jerk in the middle of a lecture, after unconsciously falling asleep in class.

Or experiencing this in the middle of a formal meeting where you should to be in your best behavior.

 Tips to help reduce hypnic jerks:

• Get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation makes you more likely to experience these jerks.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed. These substances can interfere with sleep and make hypnic jerks more likely.
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine. This can help to signal to your body that it is time to wind down and prepare for sleep. Aim for a consistent sleep-wake cycle. This is because irregular sleep disrupts natural sleep patterns, potentially increasing hypnic jerks.
• If you do experience this, try to relax and focus on your breathing. This can help to prevent the jerk from waking you up.

Next time a hypnic jerk surprises you, remember it’s a quirk of your complex sleep circuitry – a reminder of the fascinating world happening behind closed eyelids.

If you have frequent or severe hypnic jerks, talk to your doctor. They may be able to rule out any underlying medical conditions and recommend additional treatments.