Drained and fatigued, you are finally in bed, slipping into a deep sleep, when your body begins ‘falling’ and jerks to stop that ‘fall’. You’ll naturally wake up and wonder where it came from. And no matter how many times it occurs, you never grow used to it, it never seems less abrupt, and it never improves. The sense of falling can be terrible, culminating in an instinctive, unexpected, and shocking jump.

If you’ve experienced this at least once, you’re not alone. In reality, up to 70% of persons suffer hypnic jerks (also known as sleep beginnings). Nobody knows exactly what causes these sudden jerks.The Science Behind Hypnic Jerks. Although no concrete explanation for how and why hypnic jerks occur has been proposed, two theories identify some possible causes. One theory is that hypnic jerks are caused by the nervous system’s natural downshifting when you fall asleep.

Its explanation is based on muscle tone variations caused by lowering your breathing and pulse rate, as well as the natural dip in your body temperature. The theory argues that the twitches occur in response to this downshifting. The alternative idea holds that it occurs as a result of fast muscle relaxation, which your brain interprets as falling. In response, it causes the muscles to stiffen up, allowing you to protect yourself.

Whatever the case, researchers believe that the body’s response is influenced by external factors such as caffeine, smoke, sleep deprivation, and even the use of pharmaceuticals like Adderall and Ritalin, which can have similar effects. Is it typical to get hypnic jerks every night?

These jerks are sudden and involuntary, so you have no control over them. Some people may feel shocked, while others may feel like they’re falling. However, experiencing hypnic jerks while sleeping is regarded completely natural. “It’s a signal to the body to go into sleep mode. It is not a disorder. In fact, it is a natural phenomenon,” explains Dr. Rustgi.

Although it may not be harmful, this involuntary contraction, which usually occurs just as you are falling asleep, might disrupt your sleep. So you’ll want to find a way to halt it. Is there any method to reduce or stop hypnic jerks? Well, yes! There are a few ways. How can I stop hypnic jerks while going asleep? There is no need for treatment because this is not a disorder. Instead, a few modifications in your everyday routine may help you avoid hypnic jerks while sleeping. Dr. Rustgi provides various options.

Here they are: 1. Avoid caffeine, especially in the evenings and afternoons. 2. Avoid exercising in the afternoon; instead, calm down and relax before going to bed, and do breathing exercises periodically. 3. You can practice breathing exercises before going to bed. 4. Adopt better sleep habits, such as going to bed on time and turning off gadgets at least one hour before bed. 5. Try to lessen your stress.