The result can be a surprisingly realistic sensation that you are falling off a bed, stepping into a hole, or suddenly losing your footing.
The body reacts almost instantly, causing you to jerk awake.
Stress Can Make Sleep Twitching More Noticeable
If you have been under significant stress, you may notice these movements happening more frequently.
Stress keeps the nervous system in a more alert state. Even when you are physically tired, your brain may have difficulty transitioning smoothly into sleep.
This can contribute to:
-
More frequent hypnic jerks
-
Difficulty falling asleep
-
Restless sleep
-
Increased muscle tension
-
Racing thoughts at bedtime
Anxiety can create a similar cycle. You may experience a sudden twitch, become worried about what caused it, and then become even more alert.
That extra alertness can make it harder to fall asleep, potentially increasing the chance of another twitch.
The more you focus on the sensation, the more noticeable it can become.
Lack of Sleep May Also Play a Role
Being severely sleep-deprived is another common factor associated with sleep starts.
When you consistently go to bed too late, wake up too early, or experience fragmented sleep, your nervous system may become more vulnerable to unusual sensations during the transition into sleep.
A busy schedule can make this worse.
You might feel exhausted enough to fall asleep quickly, but your nervous system may not be transitioning into sleep in a perfectly smooth way.
This is one reason why hypnic jerks may seem more common after several nights of poor sleep.