Twitching before going to sleep: what does it mean?

Twitching before going to sleep
What does that mean?

Suddenly wide awake – what's behind the twitching to sleep?

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Twitching before going to sleep – everyone knows that. But what is actually behind it? And does the twitching harm my health?

We lie in bed totally relaxed and are about to fall asleep firmly – and suddenly we twitch really hard. Do you know that too? Then you are not alone. This phenomenon even has a name: "hypnic jerk" or "sleep start", which can be translated as falling asleep or the beginning of sleep. Often people dream that they will fall – and wake up frightened. But there is a logical explanation for the twitching before falling asleep.

Twitching before going to sleep: why does this happen?

Experts have not yet conclusively researched why twitching occurs before falling asleep. But it probably has to do with the fact that our brain sends different signals and something itself gets mixed up, explains Dr. Carl Bazil of the Columbia Sleep Disorders Center across from New York Magazine.

You can imagine the cause of the twitching something like this: Two systems in the brain are fighting each other. One wants you to fall asleep, the other wants to keep you awake. "One thing that happens when you fall asleep is that our muscles relax. But the waking part is still so stimulated that it overreacts for a moment and you have this twitching of the muscles," says Dr. Bazil.

This twitching occurs in around 70 percent of people. But some don't even remember it. So if your partner is lying next to you and twitches again, he's probably about to fall asleep.

Risk factors that may make you twitch before going to sleep

Even if the causes of the twitching are not yet fully understood, experts suspect some risk factors that increase the likelihood of the phenomenon. These include:

  • Sports in the evening: Anyone who does an exhausting exercise session late in the evening makes it more difficult for the body to shut down and increases the likelihood that it will twitch before falling asleep. The body is virtually over-stimulated – and the muscles react with twitches. Light movement – for example yoga – at least three hours before going to bed is okay and can even prevent the muscles from twitching.
  • Stress: Stress is generally a big factor when it comes to our health. Not only does it block the brain, it also ensures that the body can no longer relax adequately and, accordingly, can no longer rest. The muscles can react to this with a twitch. On the other hand, relaxation techniques such as autogenic training or meditation can help.
  • Bad sleep schedule: A healthy sleep rhythm is essential so that the body is rested and we feel fit and relaxed. It is best to go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time.
  • Luxury foods: Alcohol as well as cigarettes and drugs are stimulants that make it difficult to fall asleep and can also cause twitching.

What actually happens when you fall asleep?

It is not just twitching before going to sleep that is part of the process when we want to sleep. In order to be able to fall asleep at all, the body has to shut down. This includes that it cools down its temperature by about one degree, the breathing becomes deeper and slower and the muscles also relax.

Reading tips: You can find out here whether 4 hours of sleep are enough. We also explain whether sleeping naked can be harmful to your health and give tips on how you can generally fall asleep better.

Do you want to exchange ideas about health topics? Have a look at our BRIGITTE Community!

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