🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 51 (from laksa034)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa051.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/09/health/sleep-starts-hypnic-jerks-wellness\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/09/health/sleep-starts-hypnic-jerks-wellness\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2023\/02\/09\/health\/sleep-starts-hypnic-jerks-wellness","crawl_time":1773895811,"first_indexed_time":1676057525,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,cnn!www,\/2023\/02\/09\/health\/sleep-starts-hypnic-jerks-wellness s443","src_root_hash":"2312100192101524051","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Sleep starts: Why your body ‘hiccups’ as you fall asleep | CNN","meta_descriptions":["If you experience sudden muscle spasms, shocks or vivid experiences when falling asleep, you may be suffering from sleep starts. Here’s how to cope."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Unable to load video\nPlease try again later.\nError occurred while fetching labs\nVideo Ad Feedback\nVIDEO: Do you snore? Here's why\n02:02\n• Source:\nCNN\nVIDEO: Do you snore? Here's why\n02:02\nSign up for CNN’s Sleep, But Better newsletter series.\nOur seven-part guide has helpful hints to achieve better sleep\n.\nCNN\n — \nEver drift off to sleep and suddenly feel like you’re falling, forcing you to wake with a start? Some people say they are startled alert by a loud snapping noise or a blinding light coming from inside their head, while others describe their muscles twitching involuntarily from a sudden electric shock.\n“Sleep starts usually involve one strong jerk that moves most of your body, with the arms and legs more likely to be affected. This can jolt you awake before you have the chance to fall asleep,” said sleep specialist Dr. Raj Dasgupta, an associate professor of clinical medicine at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine.\nChris Breitigan, a 29-year-old podcast producer from Huron, Ohio, says he’s sometimes awakened by a rather ghostly experience.\nAd Feedback\nAd Feedback\n“I’ll be right on the verge of falling asleep, and it’s like someone tickles me,” he said. “It starts from my back and moves down through my legs. I startle and get a sort of jerk in my body.”\nThe experience may be accompanied by a rapid heartbeat, faster breathing, sweating or a vivid dream or hallucination,\naccording to scientists\n.\nSleep starts, officially called “hypnic jerks,” are normal occurrences that can happen to men and women of any age and are typically nothing to worry about, Dasgupta said.\n“It’s estimated that nearly 70% of the population experience sleep starts at some point,” he said. “Medically speaking, hypnic jerks are classified as a type of myoclonus, which is a category of rapid, involuntary muscle movements. A classic example of myoclonus are hiccups.”\nNo one knows precisely why the body twitches while falling asleep, but experts believe excessive caffeine intake, and physical or emotional stress may increase their frequency.\n“They also may be facilitated by fatigue or sleep deprivation,” Dasgupta said. “However, most hypnic jerks occur essentially at random in healthy people.”\nBreitigan’s sleep is typically disturbed after going out with friends on Taco Tuesday nights.\n“I really don’t drink much,” he said. “But on Tuesdays, I go out with friends and we have some drinks with tacos. So for me it seems it’s triggered by alcohol because I don’t drink regularly.”\nThere is no treatment for sleep starts, Dasguta said, and they are generally harmless. However, it’s time to visit the doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms: multiple muscle jerks during the day, an injury caused by hypnic jerks, tongue or mouth biting while you sleep, or wetting the bed.\n“Hypnic jerks can sometimes be confused with seizures,” Dasgupta said. “While they may seem similar, they have some key differences: Seizures are a serious occurrence that can be a result of an underlying condition.\n“Hypnic jerks, on the other hand, are benign phenomena that aren’t tied to any health conditions or concerns,” he said. “Mainly they’re just annoying, especially if they keep preventing you from falling asleep.”\nHowever, some people develop a fixation on these jolts from slumber, leading to increased anxiety about the disruptive experience, he added.\n“This increased anxiety and fatigue increases the likelihood of experiencing these jerks, resulting in a vicious cycle of insomnia and sleep deprivation,” Dasgupta said.\nFor anyone bothered by such events, Dasgupta has the following suggestions:\nReduce caffeine intake:\nDrinking less caffeine throughout the day can help improve your overall quality of sleep, Dasgupta said, especially if you avoid caffeine in the late afternoon and at night.\nAvoid or reduce alcohol near bedtime:\nThe same applies to alcohol, he said. Alcohol may make you sleepy but when the body is finished metabolizing it, you will wake, typically in the middle of the night. That will increase your fatigue, making you more vulnerable to hypnic jerks.\nTry meditation and mindfulness before bed:\nRelaxing the body may ease that transition into sleep, making your muscles less likely to twitch, Dasgupta said.\n“Also, one of the best ways to help yourself fall asleep is focusing on breathing. Most\nbreathing exercises for sleeping\nusually involves slow and deep breaths,” he said.\nKeep to a sleep routine:\nDasgupta said the best sleep requires a set bedtime — even on weekends and holidays. It also helps to avoid bright screens at bedtime.\n“The bright light of a TV, computer or smartphone can affect your sleep patterns and keep you alert when you should be getting sleepy,” he said. “Sleeping is something you’ve done your whole life, but the older you get, the harder it can get to fall sleep, so\npractice good sleep hygiene\n.”\nGet inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for\nCNN’s Life, But Better newsletter\nfor information and tools designed to improve your well-being.","attrs_markdown":"Thank You\\!\n\nYour effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much appreciated.\n\nClose\n\nAd Feedback\n\n[Health](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/health)\n\n[Life, But Better](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/interactive\/life-but-better\/)\n\n[Fitness](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/health\/life-but-better\/fitness)\n\n[Food](http:\/\/www.cnn.com\/health\/life-but-better\/food)\n\n[Sleep](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/health\/life-but-better\/sleep)\n\n[Mindfulness](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/health\/life-but-better\/mindfulness)\n\n[Relationships](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/health\/life-but-better\/relationships)\n\n[More]()\n\n[Life, But Better](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/interactive\/life-but-better\/)   [Fitness](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/health\/life-but-better\/fitness)   [Food](http:\/\/www.cnn.com\/health\/life-but-better\/food)   [Sleep](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/health\/life-but-better\/sleep)   [Mindfulness](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/health\/life-but-better\/mindfulness)   [Relationships](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/health\/life-but-better\/relationships)\n\n[Watch](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/watch)   [Listen](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/audio)\n\nSubscribe\n\nSign in\n\nMy Account\n\n- [Settings](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/account\/settings)\n- [Newsletters](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/newsletters)\n- [Topics you follow](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/follow?iid=fw_var-nav)\n- [Sign out](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2023\/02\/09\/health\/sleep-starts-hypnic-jerks-wellness)\n\nYour CNN account Sign in to your CNN account\n***\nSign in\n\nMy Account\n\n- [Settings](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/account\/settings)\n- [Newsletters](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/newsletters)\n- [Topics you follow](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/follow?iid=fw_var-nav)\n- [Sign out](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2023\/02\/09\/health\/sleep-starts-hypnic-jerks-wellness)\n\nYour CNN account Sign in to your CNN account\n***\n[Listen](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/audio)   [Watch](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/watch)\n***\nEdition\n\n[US](https:\/\/us.cnn.com\/?hpt=header_edition-picker)\n\n[International](https:\/\/edition.cnn.com\/?hpt=header_edition-picker)\n\n[Arabic](https:\/\/arabic.cnn.com\/?hpt=header_edition-picker)\n\n[Español](https:\/\/cnnespanol.cnn.com\/?hpt=header_edition-picker)\n\nEdition\n\n- [US](https:\/\/us.cnn.com\/?hpt=header_edition-picker)\n- [International](https:\/\/edition.cnn.com\/?hpt=header_edition-picker)\n- [Arabic](https:\/\/arabic.cnn.com\/?hpt=header_edition-picker)\n- [Español](https:\/\/cnnespanol.cnn.com\/?hpt=header_edition-picker)\n***\n[Life, But Better](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/interactive\/life-but-better\/)\n\n[Fitness](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/health\/life-but-better\/fitness)\n\n[Food](http:\/\/www.cnn.com\/health\/life-but-better\/food)\n\n[Sleep](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/health\/life-but-better\/sleep)\n\n[Mindfulness](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/health\/life-but-better\/mindfulness)\n\n[Relationships](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/health\/life-but-better\/relationships)\n***\nFollow CNN\n\nDownload the CNN App\n***\n\n- [US](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/us)\n  - 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Here's why\n\n02:02   • Source: [CNN](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/)\n\nVIDEO: Do you snore? Here's why\n\n02:02\n\n*Sign up for CNN’s Sleep, But Better newsletter series.* [*Our seven-part guide has helpful hints to achieve better sleep*](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/specials\/series-sleep?source=nl-acq_article)*.*\n\nCNN —\n\nEver drift off to sleep and suddenly feel like you’re falling, forcing you to wake with a start? Some people say they are startled alert by a loud snapping noise or a blinding light coming from inside their head, while others describe their muscles twitching involuntarily from a sudden electric shock.\n\n[![Smile and let go a little -- learning to not be so hard on yourself can lead to a healthier lifestyle. ](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/media\/sites\/cnn\/cnn-fallback-image.jpg) Smile and let go a little -- learning to not be so hard on yourself can lead to a healthier lifestyle. Related article Exercise, eat right, get good sleep: The top 3 ways to prevent so many diseases](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2020\/08\/07\/health\/exercise-sleep-prevent-disease-wellness\/index.html)\n\n“Sleep starts usually involve one strong jerk that moves most of your body, with the arms and legs more likely to be affected. This can jolt you awake before you have the chance to fall asleep,” said sleep specialist Dr. Raj Dasgupta, an associate professor of clinical medicine at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine.\n\nChris Breitigan, a 29-year-old podcast producer from Huron, Ohio, says he’s sometimes awakened by a rather ghostly experience.\n\nAd Feedback\n\nAd Feedback\n\n“I’ll be right on the verge of falling asleep, and it’s like someone tickles me,” he said. “It starts from my back and moves down through my legs. I startle and get a sort of jerk in my body.”\n\nThe experience may be accompanied by a rapid heartbeat, faster breathing, sweating or a vivid dream or hallucination, [according to scientists](https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S1389945711003169).\n\nSleep starts, officially called “hypnic jerks,” are normal occurrences that can happen to men and women of any age and are typically nothing to worry about, Dasgupta said.\n\n“It’s estimated that nearly 70% of the population experience sleep starts at some point,” he said. “Medically speaking, hypnic jerks are classified as a type of myoclonus, which is a category of rapid, involuntary muscle movements. A classic example of myoclonus are hiccups.”\n\nNo one knows precisely why the body twitches while falling asleep, but experts believe excessive caffeine intake, and physical or emotional stress may increase their frequency.\n\n[![Senior man with apple fruit in green park positive thinking](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/media\/sites\/cnn\/cnn-fallback-image.jpg) Senior man with apple fruit in green park positive thinking Adobe Stock Related article Long life comes from eating right, studies say. Here's how to begin](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2022\/02\/11\/health\/eat-to-extend-life-wellness\/index.html)\n\n“They also may be facilitated by fatigue or sleep deprivation,” Dasgupta said. “However, most hypnic jerks occur essentially at random in healthy people.”\n\nBreitigan’s sleep is typically disturbed after going out with friends on Taco Tuesday nights.\n\n“I really don’t drink much,” he said. “But on Tuesdays, I go out with friends and we have some drinks with tacos. So for me it seems it’s triggered by alcohol because I don’t drink regularly.”\n\n## When to worry\nThere is no treatment for sleep starts, Dasguta said, and they are generally harmless. However, it’s time to visit the doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms: multiple muscle jerks during the day, an injury caused by hypnic jerks, tongue or mouth biting while you sleep, or wetting the bed.\n\n“Hypnic jerks can sometimes be confused with seizures,” Dasgupta said. “While they may seem similar, they have some key differences: Seizures are a serious occurrence that can be a result of an underlying condition.\n\n“Hypnic jerks, on the other hand, are benign phenomena that aren’t tied to any health conditions or concerns,” he said. “Mainly they’re just annoying, especially if they keep preventing you from falling asleep.”\n\n![Stress, fatigue and too much caffeine may trigger sleep starts, experts say.](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/media\/sites\/cnn\/cnn-fallback-image.jpg)\n\nStress, fatigue and too much caffeine may trigger sleep starts, experts say.\n\nAdobe Stock\n\nHowever, some people develop a fixation on these jolts from slumber, leading to increased anxiety about the disruptive experience, he added.\n\n“This increased anxiety and fatigue increases the likelihood of experiencing these jerks, resulting in a vicious cycle of insomnia and sleep deprivation,” Dasgupta said.\n\n## Try these fixes\nFor anyone bothered by such events, Dasgupta has the following suggestions:\n\n**Reduce caffeine intake:** Drinking less caffeine throughout the day can help improve your overall quality of sleep, Dasgupta said, especially if you avoid caffeine in the late afternoon and at night.\n\n**Avoid or reduce alcohol near bedtime:** The same applies to alcohol, he said. Alcohol may make you sleepy but when the body is finished metabolizing it, you will wake, typically in the middle of the night. That will increase your fatigue, making you more vulnerable to hypnic jerks.\n\n[![STOCK person sleep loss](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/media\/sites\/cnn\/cnn-fallback-image.jpg) Shutterstock Related article Sleep deprivation affects nearly half of American adults, study finds](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2022\/11\/08\/health\/sleep-deprivation-wellness\/index.html)\n\n**Try meditation and mindfulness before bed:** Relaxing the body may ease that transition into sleep, making your muscles less likely to twitch, Dasgupta said.\n\n“Also, one of the best ways to help yourself fall asleep is focusing on breathing. Most [breathing exercises for sleeping](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2022\/09\/16\/health\/4-7-8-breathing-technique-relaxing-wellness\/index.html) usually involves slow and deep breaths,” he said.\n\n**Keep to a sleep routine:** Dasgupta said the best sleep requires a set bedtime — even on weekends and holidays. It also helps to avoid bright screens at bedtime.\n\n“The bright light of a TV, computer or smartphone can affect your sleep patterns and keep you alert when you should be getting sleepy,” he said. “Sleeping is something you’ve done your whole life, but the older you get, the harder it can get to fall sleep, so [practice good sleep hygiene](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2021\/05\/26\/health\/sleep-hygiene-tips-wellness\/index.html).”\n\n*Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. 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A Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All Rights Reserved.   \n CNN Sans ™ & © 2016 Cable News Network.\n\n## Download the CNN app\nScan the QR code to download the CNN app on Google Play.\n\n![Scan the QR code to download the CNN app from Google Play.](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/media\/sites\/cnn\/google-play-cnn-app-qr-code.png)\n\n## Download the CNN app\nScan the QR code to download the CNN app from the Apple Store.\n\n![Scan the QR code to download the CNN app from the Apple Store.](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/media\/sites\/cnn\/app-store-cnn-app-qr-code.png)\n\n![CNN Logo](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/media\/sites\/cnn\/cnn.svg)\n\n## Legal Terms and Privacy\nBy clicking Agree, you have read and agree to the Terms of Use and agree to the collection and use of your information by cookies and similar technologies, as set forth in our Privacy Policy.\n\nBy clicking \"Agree\", you have read and agree to the [Terms of Use](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/terms) and agree to the collection and use of your information by cookies and similar technologies, as set forth in our [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/privacy).\n\n[Agree](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2023\/02\/09\/health\/sleep-starts-hypnic-jerks-wellness)","attrs_readable_markdown":"**Unable to load video**\n\nPlease try again later.\n\nError occurred while fetching labs\n\nVideo Ad Feedback\n\nVIDEO: Do you snore? Here's why\n\n02:02   • Source: [CNN](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/)\n\nVIDEO: Do you snore? Here's why\n\n02:02\n\n*Sign up for CNN’s Sleep, But Better newsletter series.* [*Our seven-part guide has helpful hints to achieve better sleep*](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/specials\/series-sleep?source=nl-acq_article)*.*\n\nCNN —\n\nEver drift off to sleep and suddenly feel like you’re falling, forcing you to wake with a start? Some people say they are startled alert by a loud snapping noise or a blinding light coming from inside their head, while others describe their muscles twitching involuntarily from a sudden electric shock.\n\n“Sleep starts usually involve one strong jerk that moves most of your body, with the arms and legs more likely to be affected. This can jolt you awake before you have the chance to fall asleep,” said sleep specialist Dr. Raj Dasgupta, an associate professor of clinical medicine at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine.\n\nChris Breitigan, a 29-year-old podcast producer from Huron, Ohio, says he’s sometimes awakened by a rather ghostly experience.\n\nAd Feedback\n\nAd Feedback\n\n“I’ll be right on the verge of falling asleep, and it’s like someone tickles me,” he said. “It starts from my back and moves down through my legs. I startle and get a sort of jerk in my body.”\n\nThe experience may be accompanied by a rapid heartbeat, faster breathing, sweating or a vivid dream or hallucination, [according to scientists](https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S1389945711003169).\n\nSleep starts, officially called “hypnic jerks,” are normal occurrences that can happen to men and women of any age and are typically nothing to worry about, Dasgupta said.\n\n“It’s estimated that nearly 70% of the population experience sleep starts at some point,” he said. “Medically speaking, hypnic jerks are classified as a type of myoclonus, which is a category of rapid, involuntary muscle movements. A classic example of myoclonus are hiccups.”\n\nNo one knows precisely why the body twitches while falling asleep, but experts believe excessive caffeine intake, and physical or emotional stress may increase their frequency.\n\n“They also may be facilitated by fatigue or sleep deprivation,” Dasgupta said. “However, most hypnic jerks occur essentially at random in healthy people.”\n\nBreitigan’s sleep is typically disturbed after going out with friends on Taco Tuesday nights.\n\n“I really don’t drink much,” he said. “But on Tuesdays, I go out with friends and we have some drinks with tacos. So for me it seems it’s triggered by alcohol because I don’t drink regularly.”\n\nThere is no treatment for sleep starts, Dasguta said, and they are generally harmless. However, it’s time to visit the doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms: multiple muscle jerks during the day, an injury caused by hypnic jerks, tongue or mouth biting while you sleep, or wetting the bed.\n\n“Hypnic jerks can sometimes be confused with seizures,” Dasgupta said. “While they may seem similar, they have some key differences: Seizures are a serious occurrence that can be a result of an underlying condition.\n\n“Hypnic jerks, on the other hand, are benign phenomena that aren’t tied to any health conditions or concerns,” he said. “Mainly they’re just annoying, especially if they keep preventing you from falling asleep.”\n\nHowever, some people develop a fixation on these jolts from slumber, leading to increased anxiety about the disruptive experience, he added.\n\n“This increased anxiety and fatigue increases the likelihood of experiencing these jerks, resulting in a vicious cycle of insomnia and sleep deprivation,” Dasgupta said.\n\nFor anyone bothered by such events, Dasgupta has the following suggestions:\n\n**Reduce caffeine intake:** Drinking less caffeine throughout the day can help improve your overall quality of sleep, Dasgupta said, especially if you avoid caffeine in the late afternoon and at night.\n\n**Avoid or reduce alcohol near bedtime:** The same applies to alcohol, he said. Alcohol may make you sleepy but when the body is finished metabolizing it, you will wake, typically in the middle of the night. That will increase your fatigue, making you more vulnerable to hypnic jerks.\n\n**Try meditation and mindfulness before bed:** Relaxing the body may ease that transition into sleep, making your muscles less likely to twitch, Dasgupta said.\n\n“Also, one of the best ways to help yourself fall asleep is focusing on breathing. Most [breathing exercises for sleeping](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2022\/09\/16\/health\/4-7-8-breathing-technique-relaxing-wellness\/index.html) usually involves slow and deep breaths,” he said.\n\n**Keep to a sleep routine:** Dasgupta said the best sleep requires a set bedtime — even on weekends and holidays. It also helps to avoid bright screens at bedtime.\n\n“The bright light of a TV, computer or smartphone can affect your sleep patterns and keep you alert when you should be getting sleepy,” he said. “Sleeping is something you’ve done your whole life, but the older you get, the harder it can get to fall sleep, so [practice good sleep hygiene](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2021\/05\/26\/health\/sleep-hygiene-tips-wellness\/index.html).”\n\n*Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for* [*CNN’s Life, But Better newsletter*](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/newsletters\/life-but-better?source=nl-acq_article) *for information and tools designed to improve your well-being.*","meta_canonical":null}

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URL	https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/09/health/sleep-starts-hypnic-jerks-wellness
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First Indexed	2023-02-10 19:32:05 (3 years ago)
HTTP Status Code	200
Meta Title	Sleep starts: Why your body ‘hiccups’ as you fall asleep \| CNN
Meta Description	If you experience sudden muscle spasms, shocks or vivid experiences when falling asleep, you may be suffering from sleep starts. Here’s how to cope.
Meta Canonical	null
Boilerpipe Text	Unable to load video Please try again later. Error occurred while fetching labs Video Ad Feedback VIDEO: Do you snore? Here's why 02:02 • Source: CNN VIDEO: Do you snore? Here's why 02:02 Sign up for CNN’s Sleep, But Better newsletter series. Our seven-part guide has helpful hints to achieve better sleep . CNN — Ever drift off to sleep and suddenly feel like you’re falling, forcing you to wake with a start? Some people say they are startled alert by a loud snapping noise or a blinding light coming from inside their head, while others describe their muscles twitching involuntarily from a sudden electric shock. “Sleep starts usually involve one strong jerk that moves most of your body, with the arms and legs more likely to be affected. This can jolt you awake before you have the chance to fall asleep,” said sleep specialist Dr. Raj Dasgupta, an associate professor of clinical medicine at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine. Chris Breitigan, a 29-year-old podcast producer from Huron, Ohio, says he’s sometimes awakened by a rather ghostly experience. Ad Feedback Ad Feedback “I’ll be right on the verge of falling asleep, and it’s like someone tickles me,” he said. “It starts from my back and moves down through my legs. I startle and get a sort of jerk in my body.” The experience may be accompanied by a rapid heartbeat, faster breathing, sweating or a vivid dream or hallucination, according to scientists . Sleep starts, officially called “hypnic jerks,” are normal occurrences that can happen to men and women of any age and are typically nothing to worry about, Dasgupta said. “It’s estimated that nearly 70% of the population experience sleep starts at some point,” he said. “Medically speaking, hypnic jerks are classified as a type of myoclonus, which is a category of rapid, involuntary muscle movements. A classic example of myoclonus are hiccups.” No one knows precisely why the body twitches while falling asleep, but experts believe excessive caffeine intake, and physical or emotional stress may increase their frequency. “They also may be facilitated by fatigue or sleep deprivation,” Dasgupta said. “However, most hypnic jerks occur essentially at random in healthy people.” Breitigan’s sleep is typically disturbed after going out with friends on Taco Tuesday nights. “I really don’t drink much,” he said. “But on Tuesdays, I go out with friends and we have some drinks with tacos. So for me it seems it’s triggered by alcohol because I don’t drink regularly.” There is no treatment for sleep starts, Dasguta said, and they are generally harmless. However, it’s time to visit the doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms: multiple muscle jerks during the day, an injury caused by hypnic jerks, tongue or mouth biting while you sleep, or wetting the bed. “Hypnic jerks can sometimes be confused with seizures,” Dasgupta said. “While they may seem similar, they have some key differences: Seizures are a serious occurrence that can be a result of an underlying condition. “Hypnic jerks, on the other hand, are benign phenomena that aren’t tied to any health conditions or concerns,” he said. “Mainly they’re just annoying, especially if they keep preventing you from falling asleep.” However, some people develop a fixation on these jolts from slumber, leading to increased anxiety about the disruptive experience, he added. “This increased anxiety and fatigue increases the likelihood of experiencing these jerks, resulting in a vicious cycle of insomnia and sleep deprivation,” Dasgupta said. For anyone bothered by such events, Dasgupta has the following suggestions: Reduce caffeine intake: Drinking less caffeine throughout the day can help improve your overall quality of sleep, Dasgupta said, especially if you avoid caffeine in the late afternoon and at night. Avoid or reduce alcohol near bedtime: The same applies to alcohol, he said. Alcohol may make you sleepy but when the body is finished metabolizing it, you will wake, typically in the middle of the night. That will increase your fatigue, making you more vulnerable to hypnic jerks. Try meditation and mindfulness before bed: Relaxing the body may ease that transition into sleep, making your muscles less likely to twitch, Dasgupta said. “Also, one of the best ways to help yourself fall asleep is focusing on breathing. Most breathing exercises for sleeping usually involves slow and deep breaths,” he said. Keep to a sleep routine: Dasgupta said the best sleep requires a set bedtime — even on weekends and holidays. It also helps to avoid bright screens at bedtime. “The bright light of a TV, computer or smartphone can affect your sleep patterns and keep you alert when you should be getting sleepy,” he said. “Sleeping is something you’ve done your whole life, but the older you get, the harder it can get to fall sleep, so practice good sleep hygiene .” Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNN’s Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being.
Markdown	Thank You\! Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much appreciated. 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Unable to load video** Please try again later. Error occurred while fetching labs Subtitles - Off Video Ad Feedback VIDEO: Do you snore? Here's why 02:02 • Source: [CNN](https://www.cnn.com/) VIDEO: Do you snore? Here's why 02:02 Sign up for CNN’s Sleep, But Better newsletter series. [Our seven-part guide has helpful hints to achieve better sleep](https://www.cnn.com/specials/series-sleep?source=nl-acq_article). CNN — Ever drift off to sleep and suddenly feel like you’re falling, forcing you to wake with a start? Some people say they are startled alert by a loud snapping noise or a blinding light coming from inside their head, while others describe their muscles twitching involuntarily from a sudden electric shock. [![Smile and let go a little -- learning to not be so hard on yourself can lead to a healthier lifestyle. ](https://www.cnn.com/media/sites/cnn/cnn-fallback-image.jpg) Smile and let go a little -- learning to not be so hard on yourself can lead to a healthier lifestyle. Related article Exercise, eat right, get good sleep: The top 3 ways to prevent so many diseases](https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/07/health/exercise-sleep-prevent-disease-wellness/index.html) “Sleep starts usually involve one strong jerk that moves most of your body, with the arms and legs more likely to be affected. This can jolt you awake before you have the chance to fall asleep,” said sleep specialist Dr. Raj Dasgupta, an associate professor of clinical medicine at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine. Chris Breitigan, a 29-year-old podcast producer from Huron, Ohio, says he’s sometimes awakened by a rather ghostly experience. Ad Feedback Ad Feedback “I’ll be right on the verge of falling asleep, and it’s like someone tickles me,” he said. “It starts from my back and moves down through my legs. I startle and get a sort of jerk in my body.” The experience may be accompanied by a rapid heartbeat, faster breathing, sweating or a vivid dream or hallucination, [according to scientists](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1389945711003169). Sleep starts, officially called “hypnic jerks,” are normal occurrences that can happen to men and women of any age and are typically nothing to worry about, Dasgupta said. “It’s estimated that nearly 70% of the population experience sleep starts at some point,” he said. “Medically speaking, hypnic jerks are classified as a type of myoclonus, which is a category of rapid, involuntary muscle movements. A classic example of myoclonus are hiccups.” No one knows precisely why the body twitches while falling asleep, but experts believe excessive caffeine intake, and physical or emotional stress may increase their frequency. [![Senior man with apple fruit in green park positive thinking](https://www.cnn.com/media/sites/cnn/cnn-fallback-image.jpg) Senior man with apple fruit in green park positive thinking Adobe Stock Related article Long life comes from eating right, studies say. Here's how to begin](https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/11/health/eat-to-extend-life-wellness/index.html) “They also may be facilitated by fatigue or sleep deprivation,” Dasgupta said. “However, most hypnic jerks occur essentially at random in healthy people.” Breitigan’s sleep is typically disturbed after going out with friends on Taco Tuesday nights. “I really don’t drink much,” he said. “But on Tuesdays, I go out with friends and we have some drinks with tacos. So for me it seems it’s triggered by alcohol because I don’t drink regularly.” ## When to worry There is no treatment for sleep starts, Dasguta said, and they are generally harmless. However, it’s time to visit the doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms: multiple muscle jerks during the day, an injury caused by hypnic jerks, tongue or mouth biting while you sleep, or wetting the bed. “Hypnic jerks can sometimes be confused with seizures,” Dasgupta said. “While they may seem similar, they have some key differences: Seizures are a serious occurrence that can be a result of an underlying condition. “Hypnic jerks, on the other hand, are benign phenomena that aren’t tied to any health conditions or concerns,” he said. “Mainly they’re just annoying, especially if they keep preventing you from falling asleep.” ![Stress, fatigue and too much caffeine may trigger sleep starts, experts say.](https://www.cnn.com/media/sites/cnn/cnn-fallback-image.jpg) Stress, fatigue and too much caffeine may trigger sleep starts, experts say. Adobe Stock However, some people develop a fixation on these jolts from slumber, leading to increased anxiety about the disruptive experience, he added. “This increased anxiety and fatigue increases the likelihood of experiencing these jerks, resulting in a vicious cycle of insomnia and sleep deprivation,” Dasgupta said. ## Try these fixes For anyone bothered by such events, Dasgupta has the following suggestions: Reduce caffeine intake: Drinking less caffeine throughout the day can help improve your overall quality of sleep, Dasgupta said, especially if you avoid caffeine in the late afternoon and at night. Avoid or reduce alcohol near bedtime: The same applies to alcohol, he said. Alcohol may make you sleepy but when the body is finished metabolizing it, you will wake, typically in the middle of the night. That will increase your fatigue, making you more vulnerable to hypnic jerks. [![STOCK person sleep loss](https://www.cnn.com/media/sites/cnn/cnn-fallback-image.jpg) Shutterstock Related article Sleep deprivation affects nearly half of American adults, study finds](https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/08/health/sleep-deprivation-wellness/index.html) Try meditation and mindfulness before bed: Relaxing the body may ease that transition into sleep, making your muscles less likely to twitch, Dasgupta said. “Also, one of the best ways to help yourself fall asleep is focusing on breathing. Most [breathing exercises for sleeping](https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/16/health/4-7-8-breathing-technique-relaxing-wellness/index.html) usually involves slow and deep breaths,” he said. Keep to a sleep routine: Dasgupta said the best sleep requires a set bedtime — even on weekends and holidays. It also helps to avoid bright screens at bedtime. “The bright light of a TV, computer or smartphone can affect your sleep patterns and keep you alert when you should be getting sleepy,” he said. “Sleeping is something you’ve done your whole life, but the older you get, the harder it can get to fall sleep, so [practice good sleep hygiene](https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/26/health/sleep-hygiene-tips-wellness/index.html).” Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for [CNN’s Life, But Better newsletter](https://www.cnn.com/newsletters/life-but-better?source=nl-acq_article) for information and tools designed to improve your well-being. 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Readable Markdown	Unable to load video Please try again later. Error occurred while fetching labs Video Ad Feedback VIDEO: Do you snore? Here's why 02:02 • Source: [CNN](https://www.cnn.com/) VIDEO: Do you snore? Here's why 02:02 Sign up for CNN’s Sleep, But Better newsletter series. [Our seven-part guide has helpful hints to achieve better sleep](https://www.cnn.com/specials/series-sleep?source=nl-acq_article). CNN — Ever drift off to sleep and suddenly feel like you’re falling, forcing you to wake with a start? Some people say they are startled alert by a loud snapping noise or a blinding light coming from inside their head, while others describe their muscles twitching involuntarily from a sudden electric shock. “Sleep starts usually involve one strong jerk that moves most of your body, with the arms and legs more likely to be affected. This can jolt you awake before you have the chance to fall asleep,” said sleep specialist Dr. Raj Dasgupta, an associate professor of clinical medicine at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine. Chris Breitigan, a 29-year-old podcast producer from Huron, Ohio, says he’s sometimes awakened by a rather ghostly experience. Ad Feedback Ad Feedback “I’ll be right on the verge of falling asleep, and it’s like someone tickles me,” he said. “It starts from my back and moves down through my legs. I startle and get a sort of jerk in my body.” The experience may be accompanied by a rapid heartbeat, faster breathing, sweating or a vivid dream or hallucination, [according to scientists](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1389945711003169). Sleep starts, officially called “hypnic jerks,” are normal occurrences that can happen to men and women of any age and are typically nothing to worry about, Dasgupta said. “It’s estimated that nearly 70% of the population experience sleep starts at some point,” he said. “Medically speaking, hypnic jerks are classified as a type of myoclonus, which is a category of rapid, involuntary muscle movements. A classic example of myoclonus are hiccups.” No one knows precisely why the body twitches while falling asleep, but experts believe excessive caffeine intake, and physical or emotional stress may increase their frequency. “They also may be facilitated by fatigue or sleep deprivation,” Dasgupta said. “However, most hypnic jerks occur essentially at random in healthy people.” Breitigan’s sleep is typically disturbed after going out with friends on Taco Tuesday nights. “I really don’t drink much,” he said. “But on Tuesdays, I go out with friends and we have some drinks with tacos. So for me it seems it’s triggered by alcohol because I don’t drink regularly.” There is no treatment for sleep starts, Dasguta said, and they are generally harmless. However, it’s time to visit the doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms: multiple muscle jerks during the day, an injury caused by hypnic jerks, tongue or mouth biting while you sleep, or wetting the bed. “Hypnic jerks can sometimes be confused with seizures,” Dasgupta said. “While they may seem similar, they have some key differences: Seizures are a serious occurrence that can be a result of an underlying condition. “Hypnic jerks, on the other hand, are benign phenomena that aren’t tied to any health conditions or concerns,” he said. “Mainly they’re just annoying, especially if they keep preventing you from falling asleep.” However, some people develop a fixation on these jolts from slumber, leading to increased anxiety about the disruptive experience, he added. “This increased anxiety and fatigue increases the likelihood of experiencing these jerks, resulting in a vicious cycle of insomnia and sleep deprivation,” Dasgupta said. For anyone bothered by such events, Dasgupta has the following suggestions: Reduce caffeine intake: Drinking less caffeine throughout the day can help improve your overall quality of sleep, Dasgupta said, especially if you avoid caffeine in the late afternoon and at night. Avoid or reduce alcohol near bedtime: The same applies to alcohol, he said. Alcohol may make you sleepy but when the body is finished metabolizing it, you will wake, typically in the middle of the night. That will increase your fatigue, making you more vulnerable to hypnic jerks. Try meditation and mindfulness before bed: Relaxing the body may ease that transition into sleep, making your muscles less likely to twitch, Dasgupta said. “Also, one of the best ways to help yourself fall asleep is focusing on breathing. Most [breathing exercises for sleeping](https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/16/health/4-7-8-breathing-technique-relaxing-wellness/index.html) usually involves slow and deep breaths,” he said. Keep to a sleep routine: Dasgupta said the best sleep requires a set bedtime — even on weekends and holidays. It also helps to avoid bright screens at bedtime. “The bright light of a TV, computer or smartphone can affect your sleep patterns and keep you alert when you should be getting sleepy,” he said. “Sleeping is something you’ve done your whole life, but the older you get, the harder it can get to fall sleep, so [practice good sleep hygiene](https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/26/health/sleep-hygiene-tips-wellness/index.html).” Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for [CNN’s Life, But Better newsletter](https://www.cnn.com/newsletters/life-but-better?source=nl-acq_article) for information and tools designed to improve your well-being.
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