Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: Andrea Lewis on 23/11/2010 18:30:02

Title: Why do we twitch when falling asleep?
Post by: Andrea Lewis on 23/11/2010 18:30:02

Andrea Lewis  asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Greetings from the other side of the world.
 
Why do we twitch when in bed - just about to nod off to sleep and either my legs with jump or sometimes my arms.  I am not epileptic.
 
Many thanks and keep up the excellent podcasts!
 
Andrea Lewis
Hobart Tasmania, Australia

What do you think?

Title: Why do we twitch when falling asleep?
Post by: JnA on 27/11/2010 12:45:17

keyword - hypnic jerk

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypnic_jerk

Title: Why do we twitch when falling asleep?
Post by: granpa on 27/11/2010 22:53:22

If you are referring to the sensation of falling then its due to not being completely relaxed.
you think you are relaxed when in fact you are far from it.
do not lay on your side. lay completely flat and force yourself to relax completely