A doctor explained why we sometimes experience sudden, involuntary jerks or “twitches” when we fall asleep and how we can prevent them.
Dr Joe Whittington responded to one person’s complaint about his boyfriend having these “hypnagogic idiots” by offering his advice to anyone concerned about the extent of their “sleep disturbances”.
Hypnagogic twitches, also called hypnic or myoclonic twitches, are associated with certain habits or experiences, but the exact mechanism behind them is unknown.
He started watching someone’s TikTok video of her and her partner sleeping together when he suddenly started shaking in his sleep.
Dr. Whittington, known online as Dr. Joe said, “There are three things you can do to reduce it.”
Dr Joe Whittington has revealed how to reduce the risk of involuntary “hypnagogic jerks” when falling asleep
The doctor’s first advice was to reduce caffeine consumption and the use of other stimulants such as nicotine
The doctor’s first advice was to reduce caffeine consumption and the use of other stimulants such as nicotine.
The reason for this link is not exactly clear.
One theory as to why we have hypnotic jerks is that the relaxation of muscles as we fall asleep is misinterpreted in the brain at an unconscious level, leading to this rapid, involuntary muscle contraction.
Another popular explanation is that the response is to dream while falling asleep, or something similar, before your body has completely shut down – as if your brain is falling asleep faster than your body.
Dr. Joe’s second recommendation to his 1.7 million followers was to avoid physical activity before bedtime.
This may be counterintuitive since exercise is generally sleep-promoting and regular exercise is associated with better sleep quality.
However, it increases alertness and therefore exercise close to bedtime can delay restful sleep or induce sleep.
His third piece of advice was to reduce stress and anxiety.
According to the Sleep Foundation, both everyday stress and anxiety disorders can contribute to sleep deprivation, which in turn leads to an increased risk of hypnotic jerks.
It added: “Some people who experience frequent hypnotic convulsions may even develop a fear of sleep itself, which only increases the likelihood that they will experience sleep deprivation and further hypnotic convulsions.”
However, you largely don’t have to worry about doing these moves yourself, as up to 70 percent of people do, with mere harassment of yourself or your partner usually being the worst result.
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
