Sleep Experts Explain Why , People Sometimes Jerk Awake , Just After Falling Asleep.
CNN recently spoke with sleep experts
about the common experience of falling
asleep and suddenly waking with a start.
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, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, associate professor of clinical medicine at the
University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine, via CNN.
Some people experience it like a sudden sensation of
falling, others hear a loud snapping noise, see a bright
light or feel a muscle twitch as if from an electric shock.
According to scientists, the sensations are often
accompanied by a rapid heartbeat, faster breathing,
sweating or a vivid dream or hallucination.
Officially known as "hypnic jerks,"
these are normal occurrences that both men
and women of any age can experience. .
It’s estimated that nearly
70% of the population experience
sleep starts at some point. , Dr. Raj Dasgupta, associate professor of clinical medicine at the
University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine, via CNN.
CNN reports that experts believe excessive
caffeine intake and increased physical or emotional
stress may increase the frequency of hypnic jerks.
They also may be facilitated by fatigue
or sleep deprivation. However,
most hypnic jerks occur essentially
at random in healthy people, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, associate professor of clinical medicine at the
University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine, via CNN.
They also may be facilitated by fatigue
or sleep deprivation. However,
most hypnic jerks occur essentially
at random in healthy people, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, associate professor of clinical medicine at the
University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine, via CNN.
According to CNN's expert, reducing caffeine intake,
avoiding alcohol near bedtime, practicing meditation and
keeping to a sleep routine may help prevent hypnic jerks.
Sleeping is something you’ve done
your whole life, but the older you get,
the harder it can get to fall sleep,
so practice good sleep hygiene, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, associate professor of clinical medicine at the
University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine, via CNN