Reader's Digest

HEALTH

Why You Feel

Like You’re Falling

BYSAMBENSONSMITH

Most people have experienced this sensation

when going to sleep at some point in their lives

depression and anxiety medication

escitalopram and an increased risk

of experiencing hypnic jerks.

Beyondtheriskfactorssleep

experts have some theories about

howthejerksstart.Clinical

psychologist Michael Breus

specialises in sleep disorders and

believesthatthejerkscanbethe

resultofoneoftwothings.Your

brain as it begins to fall asleep may

misconstruethemeaningofyour

muscle relaxation attributing the

sensationtofalling.Toprotectyou

fromhurtingyourselfonimpact

your muscles tense up. he other

theory is that as your nervous system

shifts into sleep mode and the

twitches are needed for your

muscles’ transition from an active

statetoadormantstate.

he jerks shouldn’t

reallybeacausefor

concern unless they

begintoreallycut

into your sleep

schedule.Ifthat’sthe

case go see a doctor.

YOUMAYALREADYHAVEdiiculty
gettingtosleepeachnight.Buteven
whenyouhavemanagedtostart
drifting of something inexplicable
bringsyoubacktoconsciousness:an
inefablesensationoffalling.
hatfeelinggoesbyseveralnames:
ahypnicjerkhypnagogicjerksleep
startorsleeptwitch.Accordingto
Sleep.org they’re incredibly
common;70percentofpeoplehave
experiencedthesensationatsome
point. Although usually harmless
theiroriginsarestillabitcloudy.
Certainfactorsplayaroleinthe
likelihood of experiencing hypnic
jerk.Peoplewhoareconsumingalot
of cafeine undergoing signiicant
emotional stress experiencing sleep
deprivation or taking part
in demanding
physical
activities in the
evening are more
likely to experience it.
here is also evidence
pointing to a link
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGESbetween the common