Hypnic jerk
Hypnic Jerk
Hypnic jerk (pronounced: /ˈhɪpnɪk ˈdʒɜːrk/), also known as a sleep start or night start, is an involuntary twitch that occurs just as a person is beginning to fall asleep, often causing them to awaken suddenly for a moment.
Etymology
The term "hypnic" comes from the Greek word "hypnos," meaning sleep, and "jerk" refers to the sudden involuntary movement.
Description
Hypnic jerks are a type of myoclonus, which is a brief, involuntary twitching of a muscle or a group of muscles. They often involve the legs but can also affect the arms and torso. Some people may experience a sensation of falling or a sudden jump in heart rate that can cause significant arousal or awakening.
Causes
While the exact cause of hypnic jerks is not known, they are considered to be a normal part of the sleep process. They may be exacerbated by stress, anxiety, fatigue, caffeine, and sleep deprivation.
Related Terms
- Myoclonus: A brief, involuntary twitching of a muscle or a group of muscles.
- Sleep start: Another term for hypnic jerk.
- Night start: Another term for hypnic jerk.
- Sleep deprivation: The condition of not having enough sleep.
- Stress: A state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances.
- Anxiety: A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.
- Fatigue: Extreme tiredness resulting from mental or physical exertion or illness.
- Caffeine: A stimulant that can disrupt sleep and exacerbate hypnic jerks.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hypnic jerk
- Wikipedia's article - Hypnic jerk
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