strange problem

[HConlin]

I've been having a peculiar problem for awhile now...right before I'm about to fall asleep my jaw slams shut and I'll sometimes bite my tongue. It hurts and It jerks me wide awake and then I'll start to doze off and again my jaw uncontrollably shuts hard.

I now fall asleep with my head and mouth nearly buried completely in my pillow with my head turned just enough to the side so that I can breath!

I'm not sure if this is a sleeping disorder or maybe neurological? What kind of specialist should I see?

Does anyone know what this could be?

[Conrad559]

I have it also, exact same problem! FYI I have fusion between C5-C6-C7 cervical damage. Had surgery, Anyone else?
Snaps as I dose off, like a mouse trap!
Conrad

[Sandy0006]

Happens to me a lot of time .. I just bit my tongue and my teeth bore a hole in it .... I think to put It simply it happens when brain is sending signal to your jaw muscles to contract after it opens to a point ... 10 out of ten times it will happen when you are sleeping with your head starring at the sky ! When you sleep on the side it doesn't also would suggest you to try to relax before sleeping try Shav aasana from yoga !! It is not a big thing and you can. Cure it using these simple methods ..hope this helps !

[FayV]

Hi
I get this too! I've logged onto here to check it out as I did it 10 minutes ago, for the 3rd time this week and I just took a massive chunk out my cheek! I am going to go to the doctor about it, as I have had this lots of times before, especially when I'm going to sleep. My mum said she heard that this can be linked to Strokes, but I really don't think it is, good to check it out though. I'm glad someone else has this too though, everyone doesn't believe me when i tell them it's happening!

[Jennfischer]

It happens to me especially when I am sleeping....very sore tongue.....

[Quixotic1]

It is a movement disorder called myoclonus.  I get it periodically.  The problems is once your tongue  or cheek is swollen form a bite, it seems to happen more often.  I would see a neurologist if I were you.  Quix