Sleep Experts Explain Why People Sometimes Jerk Awake Just After Falling Asleep

Sleep Experts Explain Why People Sometimes Jerk Awake Just After Falling Asleep

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.

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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