Published on: 7/9/2025
Why does my body jerk when I fall asleep?
When you fall asleep, your body might jerk because of something called hypnic jerks. These are common and usually not a problem.
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Explanation
When you are just starting to fall asleep, you may feel a sudden jerk in your body. These are called hypnic jerks, and they are quite common. A hypnic jerk is a quick, involuntary muscle movement that happens when you are transitioning from being awake to sleeping.
What causes hypnic jerks?
- They can happen when you are very tired or stressed.
- Drinking caffeine or exercising too close to bedtime may make them more likely.
Are they harmful?
- Hypnic jerks are usually harmless and don't mean anything is wrong.
- If they happen a lot and bother you, it may help to relax before bed.
It's important to remember that these jerks are a normal part of falling asleep for many people. If you have concerns about your sleep or other symptoms, you may want to talk to a healthcare provider.
(References)
- Chiaro G, Calandra-Buonaura G, Sambati L, Cecere A, Ferri C, Caletti MT, et al. (2016). Hypnic jerks are an underestimated sleep motor .... Sleep medicine, 28007358.
- Torio M, Sanefuji M, & Hara T. (2013). [A one-year-old male infant with sleep-associated febrile .... No to hattatsu = Brain and development, 23951945.
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