Hypnic Jerks

[shamrock]

I have been treated at CCF for hypnic jerks for about 4 years now.  After about 8 years with this condition I have done extensive research and can never seem to find out the cause.  Any new discoveries about this and why?  

Thank you.

Shamrock

[slothman]

Hi Lele,

Thanks for inquiring about me.

Hope you are doing well.

Anyhow, I found some info on the net that said that prolonged use of benedryl can cause twitching or jerking at night.
I stopped the drug and my jerks dissapeared for 2 weeks.
I then went on a short vacation where I had to sleep on an air mattress. The Jerks came back but disappeared when I went back home.  It must have something to do with a comfortable bed after all.

I still get them once in awhile in the morning. Over all, I'm doing much better.

Stress in definately a factor.

Good luck to all.

Lou

[steelydanfan]

I am 46 male, athletic.  Jerks started hitting me 3 months ago just as was falling asleep.  In that limbo of not asleep, but on the way, yet aware.  One night it's a leg moving, another it is an electric "jolt" upper body.  Lasts a second or millisecond.  Then in am, upon waking, sometimes a slow rise of a finger or a slight jerk.  Drives you nuts.  Good luck all with the sports drinks.  I drink a propel daily (avoiding the high sodium and sugar in gatorade) with no effect.  The jerks actually started about the time I started the propel ironically.
My internist has me on 1 mg of Klonopin.  That gets me to sleep.  Some nights, no jerks before falling off, some nights a jerk or two.  I take the pill about 30 min. before bed.  Wine has the same effect but with wine I wake up in mid of night often, unlike with the drug.

When you first google these symptoms you get parkinson's and als concerns, but, apparently, these things are happening to normal healthy folks.

[gywnn]

Hello everyone,

Was reading this thread with interest.  Sounds to me like what you all are describing is more than hypnic jerks, but rather PLMD (periodic limb/leg movement disorder).   I think that hypnic jerks happen just as you are falling asleep and don't usually bother much.  But PLMD is another matter, jerks over and over again, and in my case electric feelings as well.  And also in the morning and almost anytime I sit or try to rest.  

I also have restless leg syndrome, and a lot of folks with RLS also have PLMD.

The good news is that some of the medications such as Mirapex and Requip can really help both of these maladies (but not always).

I think you all are on the right track with minerals such as magnesium and low carbs and low sugar etc.   And yes indeedy, stress plays a big role for me also.

Wish you all good luck.  It's difficult to deal with.

[Lele Bug]

Hi Lou,

Was just wondering how you were doing......Let me know.

Lele

[slothman]

Thanks Lele!,

I'll give it all a try. Cut out the caffeine and sugar. I dont smoke. I'll give the doctor a call too.

I can't say that I'm stressed about anything out of the ordinary. Just the usual everyday stuff. No big event that started this. The only thing  I can think of is that I had bad seasonal allegies and was taking alot of benedryl.



Have a good week,

Lou

[slothman]

Hello Again.

Well, I guess I jumped the gun.

I've had 3 bad nights in a row. Unable to fall asleep. Up most of the night.  I've been a daytime Zombie.

I read about taking Magnesium which I did yesterday.
Last night I finally fell asleep with no problem. No wine either.
Slept from 11pm-7am.   I tried to sleep longer but the jerks came back this morning..
Hands, legs, torso, neck. It just kept jumping around. It's bizzare. They seemed stronger and more often.  

Does this morning jerking  happen to you Lele Bug, or anyone else who's reading?

I'm trying very  hard to stay relaxed about this.
I'm working on the breathing you suggested and am making my bed more comfortable.

I really don't want to see a nuerologist. It sounds like a waste of time from all that I have read. Plus, I am an artist and have no insurance.

Any other suggestions?


thanks,

Lou