sleep start
Drowsy body jolt
A sleep start is the sudden jerk or twitch that sometimes happens as you're falling asleep—a momentary muscular spasm that startles you awake.
Also called a hypnic jerk or hypnagogic jerk.
The sensation is often accompanied by a feeling of falling: I had a sleep start and woke up thinking I'd tripped.
- nodding offFalling briefly asleep
- involuntaryNot under conscious control
- hypnic jerkInvoluntary twitch at sleep onset
- arousalStirring to heightened state
- falling sensationPerception of rapid descent
myoclonus · brain zap · muscle twitch · jerk · rude awakening · startle reflex · parasomnia · motor neurons · melatonin · circadian rhythm · restless legs syndrome · night terrors · reflex arc · narcolepsy · bedtime · somnambulism · neurotransmitters · bruxism
sleep startwake-up call
Jolt into awareness
waking · deep sleep · sleep inertia · rousing · sleep paralysis
sleep startsleep paralysis
Temporary waking immobility
stillness · relaxation · immobility · muscle relaxation · limpness
sleep, start, sleeps, slept, sleeping, sleeper, sleepers, sleepy, sleepless