Ever been jolted awake by your own body right as you’re falling asleep? These common hypnic jerks might feel alarming, but they’re actually a normal part of how our bodies transition to sleep.
As we begin drifting off, our brain waves slow down and muscles relax. But sometimes the nervous system gets its signals crossed—while most muscles are told to relax, others get sudden activation. This creates that sensation of tripping or falling that jerks you awake. They occur most often when we’re overtired, as sleep-deprived brains try to rush through the normal sleep stages.
Stanford sleep specialist Dr. Rafael Pelayo compares it to a computer trying to shut down while programs are still running in the background. The system glitches, creating that startling twitch. While they can be annoying, especially when they interrupt much-needed sleep, hypnic jerks pose no health risks.
If you experience them frequently, it might be your body’s way of saying you need more consistent, quality sleep. Establishing a calming bedtime routine and avoiding late-night screen time can help smooth the transition into dreamland.
