**Ever Jolt Awake at Night? Here’s Why! 😴**
Dr Amir Khan has shed some light on why many of us suddenly jolt awake when we’re just drifting off to sleep. It’s a sensation you’ve probably experienced—feeling like you’re falling, followed by a quick start that shakes you awake. This quirk is called a hypnic jerk.
Here’s how it works: as you’re settling into slumber, your muscles start to relax. Sometimes, your brain misreads this relaxation as a fall, prompting a signal that causes your body to twitch awake. It’s thought to be an old survival reflex from the days we might have snoozed in trees.
No need to worry, though—though startling, hypnic jerks are perfectly harmless. Dr Amir notes that these episodes are more frequent when we’re stressed, have consumed caffeine late in the day, or are overly tired. Sleeping in an awkward position can also trigger them.
If you want to minimise their occurrence, try cutting back on caffeine, sticking to a regular sleep schedule, and employing relaxation techniques. Despite being commonplace—they reportedly affect over 80% of people—it’s always wise to chat with your GP if they become frequent or bothersome. They can help ensure there aren’t any underlying issues.
Rest easy next time it happens; your brain’s just being quirky! 🌙🛌
#SleepTips #DrAmirKhan #GoodNight
Let us know in the comments if you’ve experienced this before!