Strange twitching problem when i sleep... - Sleep Disorders Message Board

Lazer77 · 12-07-2004, 08:37 PM

Its not really a disorder, but this is the closest board.

This isnt at home, but sometimes when i lay my head down at school and i fall asleep, my body twitches. I wake up because my arm or something makes a small sudden movement, and it happens quite often. Occasionally if im really into the sleep, i may totally jump up out of nowhere. Im asleep, and then my body just jumps straight up. This is a strange problem, and i know other people do this too, just can anyone explain what it is and how can i cool it down a little?

(I know i shouldnt be sleeping in class, but sometimes i just need a nap)

analog2000 · 12-09-2004, 12:42 AM

These are called hypnic or hypnogogic jerks or a myclonus or a myclonic jerk.

It is just something that happens when your body is trying to transition from being awake to being asleep. They are super common, and are even more so if you are over-tired or in an uncomfortable position (like sitting in class!). There are a variety of theories, some think it is an exaggerated reaction to an environmental stimulus, like a slight noise or light. Or it could just be caused by the muscles relaxing as you start to sleep. It is possible that this is happening when you go to bed at night too, but you just go off to sleep and don't remember it.

There is probably nothing you can do about it. Like I said, it is super common, and not harmful.

If you are getting adequate amounts of sleep at night, you really shouldn't be so tired that you fall asleep while in class. Have you tried getting more sleep at night?

Good luck.

Lazer77 · 12-09-2004, 04:43 AM

Oh, i see, thanks for explaining that.

And as for more sleep at night, i generally try, but i work alot of the weekday nights and i dont get home until 10:00-11:00, and once i get home i want to spend some time online talking to friends. When i dont work, i naturally get tired at around 10:30-11:30, so thats when i decide to head off to bed.