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

How a Simple Thimble Became One of Sewing’s Most Timeless Tools

At first glance, a thimble looks like a modest accessory, but its role in hand sewing is surprisingly important. Designed to protect fingers from repeated needle pressure,…

How I Turned a Gender Reveal Into a Moment of Truth

I never imagined my first pregnancy would lead to the most unforgettable gathering our quiet Maryland neighborhood had ever seen. At 32 and expecting my first child,…

How to Recognize Subtle Shifts in a Relationship Before They Grow

Sometimes a relationship doesn’t change with a bang, but with a quiet sense that something feels off. There’s no single argument or dramatic moment—just a growing awareness…

How a Troubled Childhood Became Part of One of America’s Darkest Crime Stories

At first glance, there was nothing remarkable about the boy who would later shock the nation. With dark eyes, a reserved expression, and a tendency to keep…

How a Singular Voice Turned Teenage Feeling Into Timeless Music

The news settled in quietly, but its weight was unmistakable. A voice that once captured the urgency and vulnerability of youth has gone still, leaving behind a…

How Families Are Coping With a Sudden Immigration Freeze—and What It Means for the Future

Across dozens of countries, families are waking up to an unthinkable reality: immigrant visa pathways they spent years pursuing may soon vanish. With a looming January 21,…