
Do you also feel a sudden jerk or jolt while sleeping (falling sensation during sleep)? Usually this happens when you go to sleep. Due to this, usually sleep does not wake up, but the whole body shakes. Often due to this, the sleep of the person sleeping with you is definitely disturbed, but do you know why this jolt suddenly occurs while sleeping (sleep jerks causes)? If not, then let's know about it-
This jerk during sleep is like a few seconds of jerk, which is called hypnic jerk in the language of science. It is also known as hypnagogic jerk or "sleep start". This is an involuntary muscle contraction, which some people experience while sleeping. They may feel it like a jerk in the muscles.
Why do we get sudden jerks while sleeping?
According to Medical News Today, hypnic jerks are a type of sleep myoclonus. Some hypnic jerks are mild and may go unnoticed. However, some jerks may be so intense that a person wakes up that they feel like a jolt. Hypnic jerks are common and occur unexpectedly. The exact cause of these jerks is unclear, but certain factors may increase their likelihood.
Cause of hypnic jerk
Usually hypnic jerks are felt when you are in the transition between wakefulness and sleep. During this time, your muscles get a sudden jerk, which cannot be controlled. This happens because your nervous system faces anxiety and stress throughout the day . In such a situation, even when you relax, your muscles are on high alert and they jerk as a protective mechanism.
Apart from this, excessive fatigue is also a common cause of hypnic jerks. It can also happen when a person falls asleep in an uncomfortable condition. Also, caffeine, nicotine or some medicines can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep, which can increase hypnic jerks. People may also experience other symptoms in sleep along with hypnic jerks, such as:
- feeling like they are falling or tripping
- may feel like an electric shock
- a hallucination or surreal dream, often about falling
Is Hypnic jerk dangerous?
Hypnic jerks are not dangerous. They are not a sign of any health issue. In such a situation, there is no need to consult a doctor or take any treatment, unless they cause discomfort or other symptoms, such as incontinence, injury, pain or confusion. Also, if they are very frequent and intense, then it can cause trouble in sleeping, which can lead to insomnia.
--Advertisement--