Hypnic Jerk Can Disrupt Your Night's Sleep

Hypnic jerk or myoclonus is a condition in which the body experiences brief and sudden twitches or spasms, while a person is falling into sleep. In addition, sufferers of hypnic jerks may also experience symptoms such as hearing a small popping sound or seeing a flash of light. A jolt or spasm that occurs quickly, irregularly, and covers all or certain parts of the body. Hypnic jerks are severe enough to cause problems with walking, speaking, or eating.

This condition can be caused by certain medical disorders, but can also occur in those who have a healthy body. Hypnic jerks usually occur because you are doing hard work at night, stressed, restless, and consuming caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol.

In addition, those with severe medical conditions can also experience hypnic jerks. For example, those who experience infections,  kidney failure, liver failure, poisoning, drug side effects, metabolic disorders, autoimmune disorders,  spinal or head injuries, restless legs syndrome, fat storage disorders, and some nervous system disorders.

How to Overcome Hypnic Jerk

You need to remember that hypnic jerks can also occur in someone who is healthy. Hypnic jerks that occur infrequently or are not caused by a serious medical condition will generally improve on their own without specific treatment. So, you don't have to worry too much if you have experienced this.

As much as possible, reduce the things that can increase the risk of experiencing hypnic jerks. For example, reduce caffeine consumption, deal with your stress or anxiety, and try not to do heavy work at night.

However, if this condition interferes with your sleep more and makes you very tired, try to consult a doctor. Doctors will usually, as well as give some type of medicine that can reduce the symptoms of hypnic jerks. The drugs that may be given are  clonazepam ,  valproic acid , primidone, levetiracetam , phenobarbital, phenytoin, and primidone .

Surgery can help with hypnic jerks that affect the ears and face, as well as those caused by problems with the spinal cord and brain, such as a tumor or stroke. In addition, botox injection therapy can relieve muscle contractions in hypnic jerk symptoms that affect only one area of ​​the body, or if medication is not effective in relieving symptoms.

Do not let hypnic jerks disturb your sleep, as much as possible avoid the cause. Immediately consult a doctor if hypnic jerks are increasingly disturbing your sleep. Especially if the conditions experienced make you anxious and stressed.