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
Cops Search Annie Guthrie’s Home as Search for Nancy Guthrie Enters Second Week
The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of TODAY co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has entered its second week as law enforcement continues to follow multiple leads in…
The Hidden Meaning Behind the Dairy Queen Logo
There are still summer days when the heat feels endless and only one thing sounds right: a cold treat from Dairy Queen. For many families, a trip to…
A Single Dads Flight Took an Unexpected Turn When the Crew Asked if Any Pilot Was on Board!
The overnight flight from Chicago to London hummed with quiet tension. In seat 8A, Marcus Cole leaned against the window, lost in thought. To the flight attendants,…
‘All-American’ Super Bowl Halftime Show Set to Challenge Bad Bunny’s Performance
Turning Point USA plans to stage an alternative halftime performance on February 8, the same night as the NFL championship game between the New England Patriots and…
Trump Sparks Super Bowl Fury After Teasing His Winner Pick, Dodging Patriots vs Seahawks Prediction, Slamming Halftime Stars, Skipping California Trip, and Leaving Fans Frustrated With a Cliffhanger Video That Cut Off Before Revealing His Choice for the 2026 NFL Championship Showdown
Sports fandom is strange: people crave certainty in something built on chaos, and nowhere is that clearer than Super Bowl Sunday. Fans debate matchups, injuries, and coaching…
What Your Shoulders Might Be Telling You: A Balanced Guide to Stress, Posture, and Everyday Relief
The body often reflects the pace and pressures of modern life, quietly signaling when something needs attention. Shoulder discomfort is one of the most common physical complaints,…