The body moves on its own during sleep can occur due to stress, exercise before bed, to lack of sleep. This is not dangerous.
Table of Content
1. Symptoms body moves on its own
2. What causes the body to move on its own during sleep
3. Need to see a doctor?
Whether occasionally or often, a person must have experienced the body moving on its own during sleep. In fact, sometimes to the point of being fully awake. This condition is also known as a hypnagogic jerk or hypnic jerk.
Generally, this phenomenon of sleep twitches occurs during the transition between sleep and starting to wake up. This involuntary movement is similar to the sensation when you jump when you are startled or scared. According To Michael Curzi Your Body Moves On Its Own [demo]
Symptoms of the body moving on its own
According to the findings of a research team from the University of Bologna, Italy, about 70% of individuals have experienced their own body moving during sleep. However, not all of these events kept them awake. Many also go back to sleep after experiencing it.
It should be underlined that this hypnagogic jerk is not a disease. This is a natural phenomenon and is very common in humans.
Therefore, even when symptoms appear, it is not a sign of a certain medical condition, but only a sensation that appears. Some of them are:
- The muscles of certain body parts become tense
- Sensation like I’m going to fall
- Dreams or hallucinations like they are about to fall
- Breath becomes faster
- Faster heart rate
- Sweating
What causes the body to move on its own during sleep
It’s not really clear what causes a person to experience a hypnic jerk. Individuals who are healthy can experience it without any definite cause.
However, there are several theories that guess what the reason a person feels the body moving on its own during sleep. These include:
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Excessive anxiety and stress
Thoughts of excessive anxiety or stress will keep the brain active, even when the muscles have started to relax into dreamland. As a result, the brain sends alert signals even when asleep.
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Stimulants
Consumption of caffeine and nicotine can affect the body’s ability to sleep naturally. In fact, this also has an impact on the quality of sleep in order to stay asleep. Chemicals in caffeine and nicotine can prevent the brain from entering deep sleep stages. The brain will continue to be periodically shocked.
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Sport
While regular physical activity can improve sleep quality, exercising too close to bedtime can trigger hypnagogic jerks. The reason is that the brain and muscles have not been able to relax to enter the sleep phase.
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Lack of sleep
A person who has poor sleep quality or often skips bedtime is also more prone to experiencing his own body moving during sleep
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Evolution
According to research from the University of Colorado, there is an influence on the evolutionary habits of early humans regarding this phenomenon. According to the researchers, hypnagogic jerks were a way for early humans to readjust their sleeping position before falling asleep so they wouldn’t fall from a tree or get injured.
Need to see a doctor?
Considering this is not a disease, there is no need for any treatment to overcome the body moving on its own during sleep. This is not a serious condition and will not cause complications.
Instead, it is better to focus on preventive measures to prevent this from happening. Some things you can try to avoid hypnagogic jerks are:
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Limit caffeine consumption
If you already know when the best time to drink coffee, you should avoid consumption before bedtime. Reduce the intake of caffeine in the blood, especially in the afternoon and evening so as not to interfere with sleep quality.
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Avoid stimulants
Also limit nicotine and alcohol intake every day, especially after noon. Consumption of alcohol before bed is prone to causing poor sleep and prone to wakefulness.
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Bedtime routine
It is important to have good sleep hygiene. At least 30 minutes before bedtime, stop accessing electronic devices, turn off lights, and do relaxing activities. In this way, the brain will prepare for sleep and lower the body’s energy levels.
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Breathing technique
When you’re ready to sleep, try breathing techniques. For example, inhale for a count of 10, hold for a count of 5, then exhale slowly for a count of 10. This technique will help your heart rate, brain and breathing become much calmer.