Sleeping jerk

[Unlucky_Luke]

Hello every one
I have been getting, since 05, shocks, acute needle pain (pins and needles, but that
I found to be a euphemism) just about all over my body. I am wondering if this is due
to what we call hypnic jerks or sleep starts. If it is related to the nervous system. It takes
me hours to fall asleep at night, and sometimes I never do. My work productivity has gone
down also. So my question is has anyone suffered from acute nerve pinches while having
hypnic jerks? Are the two related?

Thanks

[zeuz]

Do you take SSRI's? these have been known to cause this if you stop them too quickly. Read my post, I get something similar but its more like and electric shock than pins and needles, but it only happens as I'm dozing off. Haven't slep in 24 hours.

[frecklestar]

What you describe sounds like what my sleep doc calls Periodic Limb Movement, except for one biggie...I don't experience the "pins & needles" sensation.  I have often heard people with RLS (restless leg syndrome) describe such a sensation though...
just a thot~  lori

[Dr_Smita_S]

Hi

The sensation of pins and needles (paresthesia) is an uncomfortable tingling or prickling or numbness, usually felt in the hands or feet. It generally has no long-term consequences. It may be due to awkward position of limbs while sleeping, leading to pressure against the nerves or reduced blood supply locally.

However, if persistent, it may indicate nerve damage or certain disorders of the central nervous system  such as restless leg syndrome, multiple sclerosis, alcoholism, hypothyroidism, medications, or vitamin B12 deficiency, to name a few.

RLS is probably the most frequent movement disorder. Most people with RLS also have periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), repetitive movements of the toe, foot, and sometimes knee and hip during sleep. They are often recognized as brief muscle twitches, jerking movements of the feet.

Although these conditions are distinct, they may co-exist in a person. You should visit a neurologist or a sleep specialist stating your history and medication details.
Take care