just a jerking

[b564]

For the past year I have been experiencing hard jerking movenents while I am sleeping. I have no trouble falling asleep but shortly thereafter I am literally bieng jerked awake involuntarily.  I sleep on my stomach with one leg raised by my side. Which I have found will surely contribute to this problem. I have changed positions and now am also haveng these same problems. I am very concerned as I am unable to get any restful sleep. I also would like some diagnosis so as to obtain treatment.

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, welcome to the forum, most people have experienced a sudden jerking movement upon falling asleep, often accompanied by a subjective sensation of falling or twitching. Such occurrences are known as benign hypnic myoclonus or sleep starts.

Rarely, night starts can become unusually violent, very frequent, or repetitive, and confused for seizures. The phenomenon is restricted to sleep, and always or virtually always in the transition between sleep and wakefulness, and is not associated with other phenomena.

To conclude, you need not worry; it will not harm your body and will wear off over a time. Maintain good sleep hygiene, be positive. I suggest you to consult sleep specialist for more information. Take care and regards.

[hurting007]

I have had this problem since I was a child and I am in my 50s.  I have a lot of medical problems, but I have never considered this a problem.  There are all types of sleeping disorders.  I have sleep apnea and I am on a CPAP.  I guess I didn't jerk while I was at the sleep lab or they probably would have mentioned it.  I would just mention it to your family doctor and see what he says.

[Jan5319]

When the symptoms started, did you start taking any new medications or up the dose of a med you were already on?
Just a thought. That same thing happened to me when I starting a new medication. I actually broke my nose when my knee jerked up and my head jerked down! Found myself on the floor a couple of times too. Not a nice way to wake up.
Good luck...