The science behind hypnic jerks
Although a solid explanation for how and why hypnic jerks happen hasn’t been offered, there are two theories that suggest some reasons for this. One states that the hypnic jerks happen as a result of the natural downshifting of the nervous system as you’re falling asleep.
It owes its explanation to the shifts of the muscle tone, which happen as a result of the slowing down of your breathing and heart rate, and the natural drop of your body temperature. In this transition, the theory suggests that the twitches come as a response to this downshifting.
The other theory suggests that it happens as a result of the rapid relaxation of your muscles, which your brain interprets as if you are actually falling. In response, it signals the muscles to tense up, so that you could protect yourself.
Whatever the case, researchers think that this response of the body comes under the influence of external factors, such as caffeine, tobacco, sleep deprivation, and it’s even associated with the intake of medications like Adderall and Ritalin, which can have similar effects.
Is it normal to have hypnic jerks every night?
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