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After a long day at work, you’re exhausted, and you just want to lie down and sleep for 10 hours before you have to get up and do it all over again in the morning. You manage to stumble your way through your usual bedtime routine before faceplanting into your mattress. As you manage to pull the covers over your head and finally start to relax, your slow drift into unconsciousness is rudely interrupted as your muscles twitch, startling you back to consciousness.
Muscle twitches such as these are known as hypnic jerks. They happen during the early stages of sleep and, while benign, can contribute to insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns. Why do hypnic jerks happen? Are there substances that can cause hypnic jerks? If you’re experiencing them, is there a way to make hypnic jerks stop?
Sleep is a pivotal part of our wellbeing. It contributes to the energy levels we have on a day-to-day basis, impacts our mental health, and ensures our systems are functioning properly. Here in Oregon, 1 in 3 people report getting less than 7 hours of sleep a night on average. Our team here at Serenity Lane is dedicated to helping our community live healthy and happy lives. Our full continuum of recovery care also includes addressing other aspects of your health that can be impacted by substance use such as sleep. Today we’re going to answer the question – what drugs cause hypnic jerks?
“Hypno-” is a combining form that means “related to sleep.” This is where the term hypnic originates from. Hypnic jerks, then, refer to involuntary body movements that occur right before and during the sleep cycle. They are fairly common and aren’t inherently indicative of any underlying condition, nor are they innately harmful to you.
Hypnic jerks are not fully understood at the moment. Some theorize that these body motions occur because of the transition between wakefulness and sleep. They believe that it’s caused by a misfiring of the brain as it works through this transition, triggering a movement reaction.
While hypnic jerks aren’t harmful to the body, if someone experiences them on a regular basis, it can lead to a disruption in your sleep cycle. Experiencing the full sleep cycle is important for the body. When it’s disrupted frequently it can lead to fatigue and low energy levels.
Not every person who experiences hypnic jerks is jolted awake by them. Most often when they do occur they only occur once during that sleep cycle, but some people may experience multiple hypnic jerks in one evening.
Even though the exact cause of hypnic jerks isn’t set in stone, there are many signs that are often noticed in people who have hypnic jerks occur regularly. One of the most common correlations is substances that cause wakefulness and/or boost energy levels in the body. This can include everything from caffeine to stimulants.
Additionally, substances that often lead to insomnia or muscle twitches can also play a role in hypnic jerks.
Many substances are known to affect sleep cycles, especially with long-term use. Our brains thrive on routine and regularity, especially regarding sleep. The regular consumption of substances that impact our energy levels and brain chemistry can lead to altered sleep patterns.
While changing sleep patterns isn’t inherently negative, if the change leads to lessened sleep or lower quality sleep, this can lead to more problems in the long run.
Medications and substances have a myriad of side effects that can stem from them. While many people might hear the term “side effect” and think of obvious things like rashes, behavior changes, and altered bowel movements – side effects can be much more than that.
Hypnic jerks, for example, can be influenced by medications and substances alike.
The two most common over-the-counter and prescription medications that can cause hypnic jerks are those with caffeine in them, and those that are related to mental health management, like anti-depressants.
Caffeine causes a racing heart and impacts our energy levels. These sped-up reactions in the body make it more likely that your muscles will twitch as you’re trying to fall asleep, even if your last caffeine intake was hours before bed.
As for antidepressants, the exact reason they cause hypnic jerks isn’t fully understood, but many studies theorize that it has to do with how they alter our brain chemistry.
The most common substance type associated with hypnic jerks is stimulants. This includes cocaine and methamphetamine. Because of the way that stimulants speed up the body, and can also cause muscle twinges even when awake, taking stimulants can lead to a higher chance of hypnic jerks.
Products with nicotine in them have also been shown to have a correlation with hypnic jerks.
Besides monitoring your medications, and stepping away from substances like cocaine or meth, another way you can help manage or prevent hypnic jerks is by paying attention to your lifestyle.
Stress and anxiety can already impact our sleep as is, but they can also lead to an increase in hypnic jerks. Sleep deprivation is also known to cause hypnic jerks. Finally, exercising close to bedtime has been associated with a higher risk of hypnic jerks.
The main correlation between all of these factors is the way it causes our brains to behave and our bodies to feel. The heightened awareness and the rapid heart rate can not only impact how our brains handle transitions but also can increase the severity of your reaction to hypnic jerks occurring.
If substance use is impacting your life and you want to make a change, there’s no wrong time to start. While it can seem overwhelming at times, you will be able to find healing. There are many substance use treatment programs out there, so how can you get started on your search?
It’s important to keep in mind what your goals are when you search for recovery centers. If you feel that stepping out of your current environment will be beneficial for your recovery, then seeking out facilities that offer inpatient treatment will be key. If you want support while you go through withdrawals, make sure to keep an eye out for medical detox programs.
The most important step is the first one. Whenever you’re ready to take it, our Serenity Lane team is here for you. As one of the oldest non-profit rehabs in the state, our team is well-versed in how to help you find the recovery you seek. Give us a call today at (800) 543-9905 and we’ll get you started on your first steps toward healing
Finding serenity in long-term recovery.
Do I need to see a doctor about hypnic jerks?
Hypnic jerks are benign and aren’t indicative of an underlying condition. As long as your sleep schedule isn’t being negatively affected to the point of detriment, you do not have to seek a doctor regarding hypnic jerks.
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