sleep starts
Drifting-off muscle spasms
Sleep starts are the involuntary muscle twitches or jerks that occur as you're falling asleep, often accompanied by a sensation of falling or a sudden jolt that snaps you back to wakefulness.
Also called hypnic jerks or hypnagogic jerks.
They're common and harmless, though they can briefly startle: I was just drifting off when a sleep start woke me up.
- hypnic jerkInvoluntary twitch at sleep onset
- myoclonusSudden brief muscle jerks
- jerkAbrupt pulling motion
- muscle twitchInvoluntary muscular contraction
- startleFrighten suddenly
falling sensation · drifting off · nodding off · fear of falling · arousals · reflex arc · nervous system · relaxation techniques · spasm · stir · limb · gasp · autonomic nervous system · dream imagery · stress response · motor neuron · circadian rhythm · arm
sleep startssleep paralysis
Temporary waking immobility
seizures · convulsions · night terrors · sleepwalking · restless leg syndrome
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