A hypnagogic jerk (aka hypnic jerk or sleep starts) is a sudden, brief, and strong contraction of the body — or a segment of your body — that happens as you’re falling asleep.
Sleep starts usually involve one strong jerk that moves most of your body, with the arms and legs more likely to be affected. This can jolt you awake before you have the chance to fall asleep. In most cases, the movement won’t prevent you from falling asleep (…but your partner might not be so lucky).
So should you be concerned about this unwanted nighttime activity?
What causes hypnagogic jerks?
We don’t really know exactly what causes hypnagogic jerks, but experts have some ideas.
These involuntary movements that happen as you’re falling asleep may be linked to:
A hypnagogic jerk (aka hypnic jerk or sleep starts) is a sudden, brief, and strong contraction of the body — or a segment of your body — that happens as you’re falling asleep.
Sleep starts usually involve one strong jerk that moves most of your body, with the arms and legs more likely to be affected. This can jolt you awake before you have the chance to fall asleep. In most cases, the movement won’t prevent you from falling asleep (…but your partner might not be so lucky).
So should you be concerned about this unwanted nighttime activity?
What causes hypnagogic jerks?
We don’t really know exactly what causes hypnagogic jerks, but experts have some ideas.
These involuntary movements that happen as you’re falling asleep may be linked to: