HEALTH
Why You Feel
Like Youâre 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
musclesâ transition from an active
statetoadormantstate.
he jerks shouldnât
reallybeacausefor
concern unless they
begintoreallycut
into your sleep
schedule.Ifthatâsthe
case go see a doctor.
YOUMAYALREADYHAVEdiiculty
gettingtosleepeachnight.Buteven
whenyouhavemanagedtostart
drifting of something inexplicable
bringsyoubacktoconsciousness:an
inefablesensationoffalling.
hatfeelinggoesbyseveralnames:
ahypnicjerkhypnagogicjerksleep
startorsleeptwitch.Accordingto
Sleep.org theyâre 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