Physiological myoclonus can occur when falling asleep and during early stages of sleep, explains the MSD Manual. It can be focal, multifocal, segmental or generalized and can resemble a startle reaction. According to Dr Olivier Sillam, neurologist who spoke on this subject in a Tik Tok video, “nearly 70% of the population may experience myoclonus from time to time when falling asleep”. This is not a pathological phenomenon. The expert differentiates between positive myoclonus, which corresponds to “brief and sudden contractions of a muscle or muscle group inducing movement” and negative myoclonus, which is on the contrary a sudden muscular relaxation. But then, what are the causes of these jerks that occur when falling asleep?
What are the factors favoring sleep onset myoclonus?
According to the MSD Manual, myoclonus can be triggered by a stimulus (sudden noise, movement, light, visual threat, etc.) but can also occur completely spontaneously. Thus, when triggered spontaneously, myoclonus can be favored by different factors. Indeed, as the expert explains in his video, several factors worsen sleep onset myoclonus. Here they are :
- Lack of sleep ;
- The stress ;
- Tiredness ;
- Certain treatments such as antidepressants.
But then, when should you consult? According to the neurologist, it is preferable to see a doctor when falling asleep myoclonus is associated with sleep disorders, abnormal movements during the day, loss of consciousness or when myoclonus is very frequent and bothersome. Indeed, as Dr Olivier Sillam indicates, “this may correspond to epilepsy or sleep disorders”. Therefore, to prevent sleep onset myoclonus, it is necessary to fight against the predisposing factors and avoid as much as possible taking medications that promote their appearance.
@drolivier_sillam Shaking when falling asleep??? #neurology #health #sleep #well-being #medicine #epilepsy
Sources:
- Tik Tok video – Dr Olivier Sillam, Neurologist
- Myoclonus – The MSD Manual