Question 1

i experienced a hypnic jerk while i was awake sitting in a theatre. is this normal? i do have anxiety, maybe that's why?

Accepted Answer

A hypnic jerk: Or myoclonic jerk or involuntary twitch is normal.  It could be related to anxiety but is not significant in & of itself unless chronic or frequent.

Question 2

sudden jolt with body jerk when lying down (wide awake). i literally almost jump out of bed and i feel like my heart palpitates. is this hypnic jerk?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Sounds like Myoclonic or Hypnic jerks.  How often does it occur?  If it is only once in a while then it is probably nothing to be concerned about.  If it is more frequent- more than once a day or if the jerks start coming in rapid succession then you need to see a neurologist for evaluation

Question 3

can a hypnic jerk need to wake you up?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily: No, a hypnic jerk does not necessarily need to wake you up. It occurs at the transition of wake to sleep and most people feel the "twitch" or "jump" and thus, wake up.

Question 4

will a hypnic jerk need to wake you up to be classified as a hypnic jerk?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily: No, a hypnic jerk does not necessarily need to wake you up to be called a hypnic jerk. It occurs at the transition of wake to sleep and people feel the "twitch" or "jump" and thus, wake up. For example, during a sleep study some people experience a hypnic jerk but to not wake up, although it is caught on the recording.

Question 5

is it normal to experience hypnagogic jerk a couple of times every night while trying to go to sleep.

Accepted Answer

Yes this is normal: You are referring to what is common known as a "sleep twitch."  these are absolutely normal although they may be aggravated by anxiety, stress or excess caffeine intake.  Sleep twitches usually decrease in frequency as we age.  If they are of concern, ensuring proper sleep hygiene may decrease the number of twitches you experience.

Question 6

frequently i get a single involuntary jerk in my lower back when laying down,  causing me to see white n black geometric like patterns when my eyes are shut, no pain n not the same as hypnic jerk which i have also experienced. what could cause this?

Accepted Answer

Nothing serious: Jerking of various muscles when falling asleep is common and harmless. The cause is not clear.
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Question 7

hypnagogic jerk was an answer to a previous question & i wanted to know if i should see my pcp about this problem or just waited it out? pcos & htn

Accepted Answer

Hypnogogic: You should probably specifically ask the dr. That provided the answer. Not knowing or seeing the previous question, its hard to know. In general however, it wouldn't hurt to ask your pcp about it.

Question 8

my body jerks at night and now it also does when i'm awake. it's involuntary.  is this normal and if not what is it?

Accepted Answer

Go see a: Neurologist. The most important 'test' to diagnose any movement disorder is a through and detailed history and physical. You could help your neurologist by getting sample video to show him of your body jerks at night and daytime. You might need several attempts to catch this.

Question 9

caant stay awake. body jerking. confused.

Accepted Answer

Can not stay awake: This is a serious problem.  You may have a neurological illness such as narcolepsy, or sleep apnea causing this or some reaction to medication or some substance.  You need to see your doctor asap to keep you safe.

Question 10

normal to have sudden onset of hard myoclonic jerks while awake but relaxed?  entire body.

Accepted Answer

May be normal: Myoclonus refers to a quick, involuntary muscle jerk. For example, hiccups are a form of myoclonus. So are the sudden jerks, or "sleep starts, " you may experience just before falling asleep. These forms of myoclonus occur in healthy people and rarely present a problem.
 If you believe this is a myoclonus and gives you a problem,  i would suggest you to see your pcp.

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Doctor answers about:

Hypnic jerk while awake

A member asked:

I experienced a hypnic jerk while i was awake sitting in a theatre. is this normal? i do have anxiety, maybe that's why?

A member asked:

Sudden jolt with body jerk when lying down (wide awake). i literally almost jump out of bed and i feel like my heart palpitates. is this hypnic jerk?

A member asked:

Can a hypnic jerk need to wake you up?

A member asked:

Will a hypnic jerk need to wake you up to be classified as a hypnic jerk?

A member asked:

Is it normal to experience hypnagogic jerk a couple of times every night while trying to go to sleep.

A member asked:

Frequently i get a single involuntary jerk in my lower back when laying down, causing me to see white n black geometric like patterns when my eyes are shut, no pain n not the same as hypnic jerk which i have also experienced. what could cause this?

A member asked:

Hypnagogic jerk was an answer to a previous question & i wanted to know if i should see my pcp about this problem or just waited it out? pcos & htn

A member asked:

My body jerks at night and now it also does when i'm awake. it's involuntary. is this normal and if not what is it?

A member asked:

Caant stay awake. body jerking. confused.

A member asked:

Normal to have sudden onset of hard myoclonic jerks while awake but relaxed? entire body.

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