Hypnic Jerks

[poppitt59]

I like many of you, have suffered from Hypnic Jerks for many years.  I found a "good deal" of wine put me to sleep without one jerk to be had but decided this wasn't helping my liver!!!  I have had to resort to sleeping tablets - in NZ they are called Clonazepam.  I have been reading your forum with great interest and have decided to try the Gatorade.  I do have back problems and have always thought this was the underlying source of my jerking problems but it appears not.  I will be watching your forum with interest as I, like you, am waiting for that MIRACLE CURE!!  

[KatEyes]

Were your movements formally diagnosed as hypnic jerks? Just wondering if it might be Periodic Limb Movement Disorder.

[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 jerks 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.