Hypnic jerks, also known as sleep starts, are those sudden, involuntary jolts you might feel as you’re drifting
off to sleep, often making you feel like you’re falling. Though unsettling, they’re surprisingly common, affecting up to 70% of people.
The exact cause of hypnic jerks isn’t fully understood, but a few theories exist. One suggests that as your muscles
relax when transitioning to sleep, the brain may misinterpret this relaxation as a sign that you’re physically falling,
prompting a quick muscle contraction to “catch” your body. Another theory is that it happens due
to the brain’s nervous system struggling to downshift smoothly into sleep, causing brief misfires and jerks.
Factors like stress, anxiety, or exhaustion can increase the frequency of hypnic jerks, as they keep
the nervous system more alert. While generally harmless, they can disrupt sleep and cause frustration.
Understanding that they’re a normal part of the sleep process can help ease any anxiety they cause.
Related Posts
Eye Floaters: What They Are and How to Handle Them
Eye floaters are tiny specks, spots, or thread-like shapes drifting across your vision, often noticeable against bright backgrounds like a sky or white wall. They usually stem…
Boy Calls 911 for Help with Homework — Officers Discover a Serious Situation
Eight-year-old Ryan Crosby sat frustrated over his math homework when he remembered his mom’s words: “Call 911 if you ever need help.” Taking it literally, he dialed…
Unexpected Discovery in the Attic Leaves Man Speechless
James never imagined that an ordinary afternoon would uncover a secret that would change his family’s life forever. It all began when he heard his young son,…
Which Color Draws Your Attention First?
Have you ever wondered what your color preferences might reveal about who you are? The first three colors you notice can give insight into how others perceive…
Silent Girl Confronts Mysterious Biker at Walmart
At Walmart, a six-year-old deaf girl ran into the arms of a towering biker in a Demons MC vest, frantically signing through her tears. To everyone’s shock,…
The Power of Compassion: Turning Pain Into Purpose
Mikey, my fourteen-year-old son, struggled with unkind classmates. Behind his smile, he carried sadness I didn’t fully see until it was too late. His absence left an…