The Sleep Foundation indicates that hypnic jerks typically impact one side of the body and are likely derived from the same region of the brain that governs the startle reflex. It is theorized that the brain mistakenly perceives muscle relaxation as a sensation of falling, which activates a reflex response.
Elements such as caffeine consumption, exercising late at night, emotional stress, and lack of sleep can heighten the probability of experiencing hypnic jerks. While they may be disconcerting, these involuntary muscle contractions are prevalent, affecting up to 70% of individuals, and are generally considered harmless.
Experts suggest enhancing sleep patterns, minimizing stress, curtailing caffeine and nicotine intake, and engaging in physical activity earlier in the day to manage them. Although prevention may not always be possible, adopting healthy routines can aid in decreasing their occurrence and severity.
