Why Do I Jolt Awake When Trying to Fall Asleep?

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1. Start Here: Help! I Can't Sleep Anymore
2. I’m So Anxious I Can’t Sleep
3. Why Can’t I Wake Up Early?
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5. You're Here: Why Do I Jolt Awake When Trying to Fall Asleep?
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Hypnic Jerks

Sleep, for many, is a peaceful time to recharge after a long day. However, for some, the journey to dreamland is often interrupted by an unusual occurrence - the sudden jolt awake just as they're about to fall asleep. This unexpected jerk can leave one feeling confused and restless, making it challenging to get a good night's sleep. This article will explore this phenomenon and how you can combat this issue, allowing for a more restful and uninterrupted slumber.

Understanding Restlessness and Hypnic Jerks

A hypnic jerk, also known as a sleep start or nocturnal myoclonus, is an involuntary twitch or jolt that typically occurs during the transition from wakefulness to sleep. These jerks can vary in intensity from a mild twitching sensation to a feeling of falling, causing the individual to suddenly wake up. Some people might experience a visual, auditory, or sensory hallucination along with the jerk, such as a flash of light, a loud noise, or a sensation of falling.

Experiencing hypnic jerks occasionally is normal and generally harmless. However, when they become frequent, they can lead to anxiety about falling asleep or result in significant sleep disruption. These jerks are believed to be caused by the sudden relaxation of muscles, caffeine consumption, stress, and certain medications. If you find that hypnic jerks are negatively affecting your sleep and overall quality of life, it might be time to consider an organic solution, like Revogreen Sleep, which can help to reduce stress and promote restful sleep.

In the next sections, we'll discuss in more detail why you might be struggling to get to sleep and provide solutions to help you overcome this restlessness. We'll also explore further why you can't sleep through the night and what you can do about it. So, keep reading if you're tossing and turning at night, restless, and can't sleep, as we aim to guide you towards a more peaceful and restorative rest.

And if you want to read this sleep series from the beginning, be sure to check out our initial post, Help! I Can't Sleep Anymore, to get an overview of the top reported sleep issues. 

The Connection Between Hypnic Jerks and Anxiety

Hypnic jerks and anxiety often go hand-in-hand. Anxiety can amplify the body's stress response, causing an increase in physical tension. This increased tension can cause your body to be on high alert, and as you try to fall asleep, this heightened state of arousal can lead to hypnic jerks. As a result, the more anxious you are, the more likely you are to experience these sleep-starts.

To prevent jerking awake when falling asleep, it's important to address the root cause. If anxiety is a major contributor, consider implementing stress-reducing practices like deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or meditation. Regular physical exercise and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can also help. Additionally, consider minimizing caffeine intake and avoiding stimulating activities close to bedtime. 

Using a natural sleep aid like Revogreen Sleep can also help to promote a more restful and uninterrupted sleep, while it’s are not a cure for hypnic jerks, the mustard microgreens in Revogreen Sleep can help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up with more energy. Check it out in our online store.

 

When to Worry About Hypnic Jerks

Hypnic jerks are generally harmless and don't require medical attention. However, if they frequently disrupt your sleep, lead to significant anxiety, or are accompanied by other symptoms like rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath, it's worth discussing with a healthcare provider. Frequent sleep disruptions can lead to chronic sleep deprivation, which can negatively impact various aspects of health and well-being.

While hypnic jerks can be unnerving, they're not the same as seizures. Seizures involve a change in behavior, movement, sensation, or awareness due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain, while hypnic jerks are a natural part of the body's transition from alertness to sleep. If you have concerns about hypnic jerks, especially if they're severe or occur alongside other worrying symptoms, it's always best to seek professional advice.

The Effect of Drugs and Sleep Disorders on Hypnic Jerks

Various substances can contribute to hypnic jerks. Stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine can increase anxiety and heart rate, making it more difficult to relax and fall asleep. Certain medications, including some antidepressants and stimulant medications, can also lead to hypnic jerks. Furthermore, alcohol and recreational drugs can disrupt normal sleep patterns and lead to irregular muscle movements during sleep. However, the impact of these substances can vary greatly between individuals.

Sleep apnea, a condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep, can indeed cause body jerks. The body may jerk or twitch as it tries to wake up and resume breathing. If you have sleep apnea and are experiencing frequent hypnic jerks, it's important to discuss this with your healthcare provider.

As with any sleep disorder, taking a natural approach to sleep health can be beneficial. Revogreen Sleep provides support for a range of sleep challenges, helping to promote restful and uninterrupted sleep.

Understanding Sleep Quality

Insomnia is the term used to describe difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, even when a person has the chance to do so. If you find you can't fall asleep at all, this is referred to as sleep-onset insomnia.

When it comes to sleep, quality is generally more important than quantity. Broken sleep, or fragmented sleep, is when sleep is interrupted by frequent awakenings or arousals. Although broken sleep is not as restorative as continuous sleep, it's still better than no sleep at all.

Even a short period of sleep can help your body and brain to rest and repair. Some research suggests that a brief amount of sleep, even as little as 2 hours, can be better than no sleep at all. However, it's important to understand that consistently getting less sleep than recommended can have serious health implications over time. It's always best to aim for a good quality, uninterrupted sleep each night.

A Few Final Thoughts

Dealing with hypnic jerks and restlessness at night can be a daunting experience. It disrupts sleep and leads to a cycle of anxiety and fatigue, affecting your daily performance and overall quality of life. However, understanding this issue and taking proactive steps can help you manage these nighttime disturbances.

Revogreen Sleep is an organic solution designed to promote restful and uninterrupted sleep. With its natural ingredients and scientific approach, it aims to support your sleep hygiene practices and help you navigate the complex process of sleep. While Revogreen Sleep won’t stop your hypnic jerks, it will deepen your sleep and help your body rejuvenate throughout the night. Check it out in our online store.

 

Your journey towards better sleep is important, and every step counts. Take the next step with Revogreen Sleep and experience the positive change it can bring to your sleep health.

And, if you’re pregnant, you might be dealing with someone’s else's hypnic jerks may be keeping you awake. Make sure and check out our post on sleep issues and pregnancy, 37 Weeks Pregnant, Why Can’t I Sleep? Don’t miss it.

POSTS IN THIS SERIES.

1. Start Here: Help! I Can't Sleep Anymore
2. I’m So Anxious I Can’t Sleep
3. Why Can’t I Wake Up Early?
4. I Feel Sleepy, But Can’t Sleep
5. You're Here: Why Do I Jolt Awake When Trying to Fall Asleep?
6. Up Next: 37 Weeks Pregnant, Why Can’t I Sleep

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Coauthors

Beata Lerman PhD: I am a biochemist and an Immunologist with a passion for improving health in the most effective ways possible. I have been in many roles over my 23-year biomedical research career from academic Research and Drug Development to industry consulting and Medical affairs. I strive to bring you the most evidence-based and reliable educational content to put you back in charge of your health. 

Droo Higgins: I’m an educational writer and strategist. I worked in the fields of public and corporate education as a content developer, trainer, and consultant for the past 12 years. I’m also an advocate for the health benefits of microgreens, as I’ve seen them work firsthand.