Hypnic Jerk: Should You Be Worried About Twitching In Your Sleep? (Video)

Have you ever experienced the sensation of falling, only to awaken with a start in your bed?

This bizarre phenomenon, known as hypnic jerk, is extremely common; But what is it? And why does it happen?

If you’re someone who regularly experiences these startling awakenings you’ll be happy to know that there are steps you can take to avoid hypnic jerk. Lifestyle changes along with alterations to your bedtime routine can significantly reduce your chances of falling awake.

What Is Hypnic Jerk?

Hypnic jerk is a sudden, involuntary muscle spasm that typically happens as you are falling asleep.

Some people experience them as a sudden tensing of their entire body — as if they were thrown onto the bed — while others feel an electric shock-like sensation.

These sudden starts are regularly experienced by 60-70% of people — well, as far as they are aware. Many times hypnic jerks are not strong enough to actually cause you to awaken, and so, you don’t remember them at all.

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