The phenomenon is so named in reference to the hypnagogic state — the transitional period between wakefulness and sleep. Hypnagogic jerks, are also commonly known as hypnic jerks or sleep starts. Show The muscle spasms may occur spontaneously or may be induced by sound, light or other external stimuli. Some people report hypnic jerks accompanied by hallucinations, dreams, the sensation of falling, or bright lights or loud noises coming from inside the head. [Why Do People Talk In Their Sleep? ] Sleep starts are quite common, with some research suggesting that 60 to 70 percent of people experience them. Many individuals may be visited by nightly hypnic jerks without even knowing it, as the twitches often go unremembered, particularly if they don't cause a person to wake up. Some scientists believe certain factors, such as stress, anxiety, fatigue, caffeine and sleep deprivation, may increase the frequency or severity of hypnic jerks, but conclusive research is lacking on the subject. Intense physical activity or exercise in the evening may also contribute to increased hypnic jerks, said Michelle Drerup, a psychologist and behavioral sleep medicine specialist at the Cleveland Clinic's Sleep Disorders Center in Ohio. Researchers are also unsure why hypnic jerks occur, but a few theories exist. One hypothesis says that hypnic jerks are a natural part of the body's transition from alertness to sleep, and occur when nerves "misfire" during the process. Another popular idea takes a more evolutionary approach to hypnic jerks, explaining that the spasms are an ancient primate reflex to the relaxation of muscles during the onset of sleep — the brain essentially misinterprets the relaxation as a sign that the sleeping primate is falling out of a tree, and causes the muscles to quickly react. "More often than not, hypnic jerks are completely normal and nothing to be concerned about," Drerup told Live Science. "However, if the jerks themselves, or the anxiety you experience about having them, are significantly disrupting your sleep, you should talk to a sleep specialist about your concerns." This article was originally published in 2013. Additional reporting by Senior Writer Laura Geggel. Original article on Live Science. Joseph Bennington-Castro is a Hawaii-based contributing writer for Live Science and Space.com. He holds a master's degree in science journalism from New York University, and a bachelor's degree in physics from the University of Hawaii. His work covers all areas of science, from the quirky mating behaviors of different animals, to the drug and alcohol habits of ancient cultures, to new advances in solar cell technology. On a more personal note, Joseph has had a near-obsession with video games for as long as he can remember, and is probably playing a game at this very moment. Myoclonus is sudden muscle spasms that you can’t control. They can be normal -- a hiccup or a "sleep start" when you’re falling asleep, for example -- or they may be a sign of a serious health condition such as multiple sclerosis, dementia, or Parkinson's disease. Myoclonus might
include sudden jerking, quivering, or twitching. You can have one episode or many in a row. And they can last up to a few minutes. The types of myoclonus include: Myoclonus spasms are: Myoclonus happens because your nervous system
isn't working the way it should. Something makes your nerve cells misfire and send the wrong signal to your muscles. Doctors think several parts of your brain may be involved. But they aren't sure what causes this glitch in your nervous system. Sometimes, there’s no cause. If you have multiple
sclerosis (MS), it could result from lesions, or injuries, on your brain or spinal cord. Other nervous system conditions that can cause myoclonus include:
Sometimes, the cause is a medical condition, such as:
Myoclonus DiagnosisYour doctor will do an exam and note which parts of your body have spasms. They may recommend tests such as:
They may also check your blood for signs of other causes. Myoclonus TreatmentIf another health condition is causing the spasms, your doctor will treat it. Myoclonus itself can be hard to treat. Depending on your case, you may need to take several medicines at the same time. They act on different parts of your brain. Treatment may include:
If you don’t have an underlying condition, myoclonus probably won’t be a problem in your daily life. More severe cases can cause trouble with movement, such as eating, talking, or walking. Your doctor will work with you to ease the spasms. There’s
no way to prevent myoclonus. But medical specialists might help you avoid injury from severe spasms. Your doctor may recommend that you see a neuropsychiatrist. They can help you spot triggers and learn to manage movement problems. Working with a physical therapist can improve your balance, strength, and coordination. What causes twitching in the body at night?Sleep myoclonus causes involuntary muscle twitches during sleep or when a person falls asleep. In some cases, sleep myoclonus occurs on its own without an identifiable cause. Sleep myoclonus can also develop as a result of a sleep disorder or a neurological disorder.
What does body twitching indicate?Muscle twitches can happen for lots of reasons, like stress, too much caffeine, a poor diet, exercise, or as a side effect of some medicines. Lots of people get twitches in the eyelid, thumb, or calf muscles. These types of twitches usually go away after a few days. They're often related to stress or anxiety.
When should I worry about muscle twitching?"If you've had them for many years and haven't noticed any other changes in your muscle, there's likely nothing to be concerned about." If muscle twitching is new and you're experiencing additional symptoms, however, Dr. Ondo says this is when muscle twitching becomes more concerning.
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