Hypnic jerk treatment

Hypnic jerks, also known as sleep starts or hypnagogic jerks, are abrupt muscle contractions, or twitches, that happen as soon as you fall asleep. Up to 70% of adults will experience at least one.

Hypnic jerks are usually harmless, but they can interfere with the quality of your sleep or contribute to insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep).

If that's the case, it's important to understand what may be causing them.

If you notice your hypnic jerks getting worse, there may be an underlying reason. You can work with your healthcare provider to determine whether stress, medications, or other lifestyle choices may be triggering them.

What Does a Hypnic Jerk Feel Like?

Hypnic jerk symptoms

Have you ever been on the verge of falling asleep only to be jolted awake because you feel like you’re falling? This could have been a hypnic jerk. A hypnic jerk is a strong muscle contraction that happens right as you drift off to sleep.

It's also known as a “sleep start” because you’re startled out of your sleep.

Hypnic jerks are involuntary, meaning

hypnic jerks while sleeping

hypnic jerks sleep deprivation