Why do we sometimes feel like we are falling when we fall asleep?
You are falling asleep peacefully, when suddenly… you jump with the impression of falling into the void. This phenomenon, much more common than you think, intrigues and can sometimes worry. Where does it come from and should we be concerned? Let’s dive together into the mysteries of sleep.
Hypnic jerks: a common phenomenon
These nocturnal jerks, called hypnic jerks , are sudden, involuntary muscle contractions that occur when falling asleep. They are often accompanied by a sensation of falling or a brief, disturbing dream.
What does it look like?
- A sudden spasm that wakes you up with a start.
- A feeling of falling from a building, stairs or bed.
- A brief auditory or visual hallucination.
Did you know? Hiccups are also a type of myoclonic jerk, just like hypnic jerks!
Why do these tremors occur?
Researchers have not yet definitively identified the origin of hypnic jerks, but several theories attempt to explain this phenomenon:
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A brain in full transition
When we fall asleep, our body naturally relaxes . But sometimes, the brain interprets this sudden relaxation as danger and sends a nerve signal to the muscles… causing the jump.
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A survival reaction inherited from our ancestors?
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