Why do you suddenly feel like you're falling while sleeping? A doctor explains the science behind it.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Have you ever felt like you were falling asleep and then suddenly woken up with a jolt? As strange as this feeling sounds, there's an equally interesting scientific reason behind it. According to Dr. Aamir Khan, a general practitioner with the National Health Service (NHS) in Bradford, England, this phenomenon is called a hypnic jerk, and almost everyone experiences it at least once in their lives.

What is hypnic jerk?

As you drift off to sleep, your body and muscles gradually relax. Sometimes, your brain misinterprets this relaxation as a sign of falling asleep. This means your body is drifting off to sleep normally, but your brain senses something is wrong and tries to protect you.

Why does the brain send a sudden shock?

The brain responds to this false alarm of "falling" by sending a powerful signal to the body, so you can "catch yourself." This results in a sudden jolt, a movement, or a sudden awakening . All of this happens in a fraction of a second.

Is this a habit of our ancestors?

Many scientists believe this jolt is linked to our ancient instincts. When humans used to sleep in trees, even the slightest loss of balance could be dangerous. The sudden jolt of the body was likely a protective mechanism against falls. Over time, this habit has persisted, even though we no longer sleep in trees.

Is it harmful?

Hypnic jerks are completely normal and safe. They are not a sign of any disease or associated with any serious problem. Rather, they are a minor reflex of the body – like blinking when light hits the eye.

When is it too much?

Although it can happen to anyone, certain conditions make it more common:

• excessive stress
• Very tired
• Caffeine intake at night
• Restlessness or a constantly hectic day

In these circumstances, the brain remains more active, due to which it quickly considers the relaxation of the body while going to sleep as an 'alarm'.

The next time this happens, don't panic.

If this jolt ever bothers you, remember one thing: it's completely normal. Your body is simply following an old habit, and your brain is simply adapting to its habit of being more active. This little jolt in sleep may seem strange, but it's not harmful at all. It's just one of your brain's interesting tricks.

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