If Your Body Suddenly Jerks While Falling Asleep, This Is What It Means

When you are falling asleep, you may feel hypnic jerks, also known as

sleep beginnings, which are abrupt, involuntary contractions of your muscles.

These jerks happen during the transition from wakefulness to sleep,

which is referred to as hypnagogic (short for hypnic).

Hypnic jerks usually only affect one side of the body, like the left

arm or leg, and occur seemingly randomly as you fall asleep.

Related Posts

A Familiar Face from Television’s Golden Age: Remembering John Eimen

For generations who grew up with classic television, certain performers feel like old friends—quietly present, reassuring, and timeless. John Eimen was one of those familiar faces. Though rarely positioned…

Born Big: The Extraordinary Life of New Jersey’s Record-Breaking Baby

In 1983, a newborn named Kevin Robert Clark entered the world already rewriting records. Delivered by Patricia Clarke at Community Memorial Hospital, Kevin weighed more than 16…

Why Slugs Matter More Than You Think

For many people, spotting a slug triggers an immediate reaction of unease. Their slow crawl, slick appearance, and habit of emerging in damp gardens make them easy…

Beloved The Wire Actor James Ransone Dies at 46

The married father of two—best known for his work on The Wire—has died after years of mental health struggles, according to reports. James Ransone, who portrayed Ziggy…

Actress Helen Siff dies aged 88 after battle with “painful illness”

Helen Siff was 88. Credit / Getty Images Actress Helen Siff, known for roles in films including The Karate Kid (1984), Don’t Mess with the Zohan (2008) and Hail, Caesar! (2016) has died…

Erika Kirk’s slip of tongue causes major debate

Getty Images Erika Kirk has been very vocal since her husband, Charlie Kirk, was killed earlier this year. She has since taken on the role of CEO and…