If you've ever experienced random contractions that jolt you awake at night, you've likely experienced hypnagogic jerks. Our sleep quality and duration are impacted by a lot of factors. Stressors, anxiety, poorly planned sleep schedules, and variations in the circadian rhythm can all lead to interrupted sleep. Physical symptoms can also come into play. Read on below to learn more about the phenomenon and find answers to questions concerning why you might twitch while sleeping.
What Is a Hypnic Jerk?
Hypnic jerks or sleep starts are known by many names. Hypnagogic jerks, night starts, sleep twitches, myoclonic jerks, are some other terms they may go by. Hypnic jerks occur when you experience strong, sudden, and brief twitching in sleep, usually when you transition from wakefulness to sleep.
Hypnic jerks are involuntary muscle spasms that can either be completely random or be triggered by certain factors, both physical and psychological. You may experience ‘jumps’ or ‘jerks’ where you wake up from sleep startled or scared.
While these jerks happen to people of all ages, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine noted that the occurrence of these hypnic jerks may be more frequent in adults than in children.
It's not as uncommon as you may think. In fact, research suggests that up to 70 percent of people experience hypnic jerks or contractions. And that only goes for people who remember this happening. With that, it's likely that the phenomenon is much more widespread than reported. It's also believed that hypnic jerks are more frequent in adults than in children.
What Causes Hypnic Jerks?
It’s not entirely evident what causes hypnic jerks. While more research is needed, it is generally believed that these external factors can potentially trigger hypnagogic jerks.
Are Hypnic Jerks Dangerous?
Not really, no. Hypnic jerks or hypnagogic jerks are involuntary muscle spasms that are generally considered harmless. That said, they can be unsettling to the person who experiences them, and experiencing hypnic jerks can be scary and cause unnecessary stress before bed.
Minor injuries may occur from sudden involuntary movement where you might accidentally kick your partner or an object in the vicinity. But that is the most damage hypnic jerks can do to you physically.
How to Avoid Twitching in Your Sleep
Myoclonus does not require medical treatment from a qualified professional unless of course, it is triggered by the psychological phenomenon or other external factors. To minimize the occurrence of these sudden movements, consider making these changes:
When Might You Want to Consult a Doctor?
Hypnic jerks are harmless. Chances are, they will fade away with time. If, however, you feel that these jerks have significantly impacted your quality of life or are something other than hypnic jerks, you should speak to a doctor to look at alternate treatments.
Conclusion
Hypnic jerks are harmless and normal. That said, their occurrence can be minimized by making a few changes in your lifetime. If you’re not keen on making these changes or you notice that they don’t do much to help, consider using Sandland Sleep Supplements. Our supplements offer users clean, restful sleep by eliminating the hangover or ‘high’ feeling that usually accompanies sleep aids.
