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1. Shard Calculation

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Response:

Calculated Shard: 50 (from laksa196)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa050.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.verywellhealth.com/what-is-a-hypnagogic-jerk-and-what-causes-sleep-starts-3014889\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-a-hypnagogic-jerk-and-what-causes-sleep-starts-3014889\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-a-hypnagogic-jerk-and-what-causes-sleep-starts-3014889","crawl_time":1776353099,"first_indexed_time":1525958420,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,verywellhealth!www,\/what-is-a-hypnagogic-jerk-and-what-causes-sleep-starts-3014889 s443","src_root_hash":"5681562863987870850","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"What Is a Hypnic Jerk and What Causes Sleep Starts?","meta_descriptions":["Hypnic jerks (sleep starts) cause a sudden, uncontrollable muscle twitch affecting your whole body or arms and legs. The twitch occurs as you fall asleep."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Key Takeaways\nHypnic jerks are common, sudden muscle twitches that happen when you fall asleep.\nStress, anxiety, and fatigue can increase the chances of experiencing sleep starts.\nSleep starts are harmless but can sometimes cause worry about falling asleep.\nA hypnic (hypnagogic) jerk is a sudden, uncontrollable muscle twitch that occurs as you fall asleep. These twitches, also called sleep starts, are common, harmless, and often triggered by lifestyle issues like stress, anxiety, and fatigue. They also mimic the symptoms of some health conditions.\nJustin Case \/ The Image Bank \/ Getty Images\nWhy Do Your Muscles Suddenly Spasm As You Fall Asleep?\nHypnic jerks (hypnagogic jerks) affect up to 70% percent of people.\n1\nThese sudden, rapid, uncontrollable muscle twitches, known as sleep starts, occur when you first fall asleep, as you transition from wakefulness to sleep.\n2\nWhy your muscles suddenly twitch is still being studied. However, the current evidence suggests that it's due to a miscommunication between nerves, causing a misfire in your brain that leads to a sudden muscle contraction.\nYou may also hear hypnic jerks called sleep or physiologic myoclonus, Myoclonus refers to uncontrollable muscle twitches and spasms. Physiologic myoclonus occurs in healthy people. Other types of myoclonus are symptoms of an underlying health condition.\n3\nDoes Everyone Have Similar Twitching Experiences?\nDuring a hypnic jerk, most people have one strong, brief, contraction affecting most or all of their body's muscles. However, the twitch may affect a few muscles groups, with the arms and legs being the most common.\nSome people may experience other sensations during a sleep start, such as:\n4\nFeeling of falling\nStartled feeling\nFlash of light\nVocalization (sharp cry)\nVivid images or brief hallucination (seeing, hearing, or feeling something that isn't there)\n5\nCould Your Lifestyle Trigger Sleep Starts?\nYour chances of hypnic jerks are higher if you have or do any of the following:\n2\nAnxiety\nStress\nSleep deprivation\nDrink caffeine or smoke (both are stimulants)\nPhysical exhaustion\nVigorous exercise close to bedtime\nThough most people aren't bothered by sleep starts, the hypnic jerk episodes may lead to anxiety about falling asleep and\ninsomnia\n. This is especially likely if a related hallucination is upsetting (such as falling from a great height) and remembered.\nCan Sleep Starts Signal Another Health Concern?\nThere are other conditions that may cause twitchy movements (myoclonus) whether you're asleep or awake. These include:\n2\n6\nRestless leg syndrome (RLS)\n: RLS causes uncomfortable feelings in the legs, like itching, crawling, and tingling, along with the uncontrollable urge to move your legs. These sensations occur when you're resting or trying to fall asleep.\n6\nPeriodic limb movement disorder (PLMD)\n: This condition causes your legs and arms to move repeatedly and uncontrollably while you sleep. While people with RLS have periodic limb movements, those with PLMD do not necessarily have RLS.\n7\nPathologic myoclonus\n: This type of myoclonus occurs when a brain or nerve disorder causes persistent and severe muscle contractions. Epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, brain tumors, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia with Lewy bodies are a few examples of neurologic conditions that can cause pathologic myoclonus.\n3\nFasciculation syndrome\n: Fasciculation occurs when a specific muscle or group of muscles twitch, often during waking hours. This occurs in about 70% of people.\n8\nMetabolic disorders:\nMetabolic disorders\nare conditions that disrupt some aspect of the body's essential biochemical processes, such as producing proteins and energy, building bones, and using nutrients. Three of the most common metabolic disorders that can cause muscle twitches are liver disease, kidney disease, and\nelectrolyte imbalances\n.\n3\nMedications:\nNumerous medications may trigger or worsen sleep myoclonus. For example, certain antibiotics, antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, mood stabilizers, and atypical antipsychotics cause medication-induced myoclonus (MIM). Opioids like fentanyl and morphine can also cause MIM.\n9\nInfections:\nSome bacterial, viral, and fungal infections may cause sleep myoclonus. A few of the most common include measles, rubella, Lyme disease,\nhuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV)\n, COVID-19, and\nherpes simplex virus\n.\n10\nTrauma\n: An injury to your head or spinal cord may cause nerve damage leading to myoclonus.\nCancer:\nCertain cancers, such as\nneuroblastoma\nand lung and breast cancer, may cause myoclonus.\n3\nSeizures can lead to jerky or twitching motion, depending on the\ntype of seizure\n. You also may experience symptoms similar to hypnic jerks due to:\n4\nAnother sleep disorder, such as\nsleep apnea\n(this can be ruled out with a\nsleep study\n)\nA medical condition. A 2021 study found hypnic jerks were more common during COVID-19 lockdowns in autistic children, for example, when compared with the general population.\n11\nMedication use, such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (\nSSRIs\n)\n2\nA mental health disorder\nSubstance abuse\nSleep Starts vs. Other Conditions\nSleep starts have several characteristics that distinguish them from other conditions. Of those, timing is one of the easiest to identify.\nHypnic jerks occur as you fall asleep. RLS also begins when you rest, but its symptoms are distinct from sleep starts. PLMD occurs nearly constantly while sleeping. Pathologic myoclonus isn’t limited to sleep; the twitches occur while you’re awake.\nAnother difference is that hypnic jerks seldom interfere with your sleep. The other conditions mentioned above frequently disrupt sleep.\nDo You Need Treatment for Hypnic Jerks?\nIn general, it is not necessary to seek testing or treatment for sleep starts. These muscle twitches are common, ordinary, and seldom signify a health concern.\nYou will need treatment if your muscle twitches are caused by another condition. Then, the treatment depends on your diagnosis.\nHowever, if hypnic jerks occur frequently and disrupt your sleep, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that you take steps to change any lifestyle habits that may trigger the problem. This may include:\n4\nLearning how to manage stress\nSeeking treatment for anxiety\nAvoiding caffeine\nand other stimulants in the hours before bedtime\nScheduling exercise early in the day\nImproving your sleep habits\nImproving your sleep environment includes following a relaxing bedtime routine, turning off lights and electronics (the light affects your sleep-wake cycle), and keeping your room at a comfortable temperature.\n11 Sources\nVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our\neditorial process\nto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.\nAlghamdi SA.\nHypnic jerks, major depressive disorder, and antidepressant use: a possible relationship\n.\nCureus\n. 2023 Oct 21;15(10):e47436. doi:10.7759\/cureus.47436\nKumar R, Ali SN, Saha S, Bhattacharjee S.\nSSRI induced hypnic jerks: a case series\n.\nIndian J Psychiatry\n. 2023 Jul;65(7):785-788. doi:10.4103\/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_207_23\nNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. \nMyoclonus\n.\nAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine.\nSleep starts\n.\nWaters F, Ling I, Azimi S, Blom JD.\nSleep-related hallucinations\n.\nSleep Med Clin\n. 2024 Mar;19(1):143-157. doi:10.1016\/j.jsmc.2023.10.008\nWinkelman JW, Berkowski JA, DelRosso LM, Koo BB, Scharf MT, Sharon D, et al.\nTreatment of restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine clinical practice guideline\n.\nJ Clin Sleep Med\n. 2025 Jan 1;21(1):137-152. doi:10.5664\/jcsm.11390\nNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.\nRestless legs syndrome.\nFilippakas A, Jara J, Ventura N, et al. \nA prospective study of benign fasciculation syndrome and anxiety\n. \nNeurology\n. 2017;88(16 Supp):852-4. doi:10.1002\/mus.26193\nRissardo JP, Fornari Caprara AL, Bhal N, et al.\nDrug-Induced Myoclonus: A Systematic Review.\nMedicina (Kaunas).\n2025 Jan 15;61(1):131. doi:10.3390\/medicina61010131.\nKothiala, Apara,  Shankar, Vijay, Desai, Soaham\n,\n. \nMyoclonus associated with infections: A narrative review.\nAnnals of Movement Disorders\n5(3):p 137-152, Sep–Dec 2022. DOI:10.4103\/AOMD.AOMD_25_22\nBruni O, Breda M, Ferri R, Melegari MG.\nChanges in sleep patterns and disorders in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorders and autism spectrum disorders during the COVID-19 lockdown\n.\nBrain Sci\n. 2021 Aug 27;11(9):1139. doi:10.3390\/brainsci11091139\nBy\nBrandon Peters, MD\nDr. Peters is a board-certified neurologist and sleep medicine specialist and is a fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.\nWas this page helpful?\nThanks for your feedback!\nWhat is your feedback?","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to content](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-a-hypnagogic-jerk-and-what-causes-sleep-starts-3014889#skip-to-content)\n\nMenu\n\n- [Health A-Z](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/health-a-z-4014770)\n  - [Colorectal Cancer](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/colon-cancer-4014742)\n  - [Arthritis](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/arthritis-overview-4582013)\n  - [Type 2 Diabetes](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/type-2-diabetes-overview-4581874)\n  - 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[Studies & Guidelines](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/studies-and-guidelines-11869035)\n  - [View All](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/news-4846412)\n\n[More in Sleep Disorders](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/sleep-disorders-4014648)\n\n- [Symptoms](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/sleep-disorder-symptoms-4158398)\n- [Causes & Risk Factors](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/sleep-disorder-causes-4014585)\n- [Diagnosis](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/sleep-disorder-diagnosis-4014299)\n- [Treatment](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/sleep-disorder-treatment-4013401)\n- [Living With](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/sleep-disorders-living-with-4013358)\n- [Sleep Apnea](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/sleep-apnea-4158397)\n- [Insomnia & More Disorders](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/insomnia-and-more-sleep-disorders-4013520)\n- [Healthy Sleep Habits](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/healthy-sleep-habits-4013619)\n\n[View More](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/sleep-disorders-4014648)\n\nTools & Resources\n\n- [Thyroid Test Analyzer](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thyroid-test-analyzer-8647820)\n- [Doctor Discussion Guides](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/doctor-discussion-guides-4179090)\n- [Hemoglobin A1c Test Analyzer](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/a1c-test-analyzer-8647852)\n- [Lipid Test Analyzer](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/lipid-test-analyzer-8647856)\n- [Complete Blood Count (CBC) Analyzer](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/complete-blood-count-cbc-analyzer-8647862)\n\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/about-us-5180305)\n- [Editorial Process](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/verywell-editorial-process-4777042)\n- [Medical Review Board](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/meet-our-medical-expert-board-11762003)\n\nVerywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.\n\nⒸ 2026 People Inc. — All rights reserved\n\n# Why Do Hypnic Jerks Make Muscles Twitch When Falling Asleep?\nBy [Brandon Peters, MD](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/brandon-peters-md-3014640)\n\nUpdated on December 08, 2025\n\nMedically reviewed by  [Arno Kroner, DAOM](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/arno-kroner-daom-lac-4797488)\n\nTable of Contents\n\nView All\n\nTable of Contents\n\n- [Hypnic Jerk Causes](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-a-hypnagogic-jerk-and-what-causes-sleep-starts-3014889#toc-why-do-your-muscles-suddenly-spasm-as-you-fall-asleep)\n- [Sensations Along With Sleep Starts](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-a-hypnagogic-jerk-and-what-causes-sleep-starts-3014889#toc-does-everyone-have-similar-twitching-experiences)\n- [Lifestyle Triggers](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-a-hypnagogic-jerk-and-what-causes-sleep-starts-3014889#toc-could-your-lifestyle-trigger-sleep-starts)\n- [Other Conditions](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-a-hypnagogic-jerk-and-what-causes-sleep-starts-3014889#toc-can-sleep-starts-signal-another-health-concern)\n- [Hypnic Jerks vs. Other Conditions](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-a-hypnagogic-jerk-and-what-causes-sleep-starts-3014889#toc-sleep-starts-vs-other-conditions)\n- [Treatment](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-a-hypnagogic-jerk-and-what-causes-sleep-starts-3014889#toc-do-you-need-treatment-for-hypnic-jerks)\n\n### Key Takeaways\n- Hypnic jerks are common, sudden muscle twitches that happen when you fall asleep.\n- Stress, anxiety, and fatigue can increase the chances of experiencing sleep starts.\n- Sleep starts are harmless but can sometimes cause worry about falling asleep.\n\nA hypnic (hypnagogic) jerk is a sudden, uncontrollable muscle twitch that occurs as you fall asleep. These twitches, also called sleep starts, are common, harmless, and often triggered by lifestyle issues like stress, anxiety, and fatigue. They also mimic the symptoms of some health conditions.\n\n![A woman sleeping in bed who may be experiencing hypnagogic jerks or sleep starts](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/-5G46Z65u1HgS_i7BCguPgEXuPQ=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/142010707_HighRes-56a884b03df78cf7729e838a.jpg)\n\n![A woman sleeping in bed who may be experiencing hypnagogic jerks or sleep starts](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/-5G46Z65u1HgS_i7BCguPgEXuPQ=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/142010707_HighRes-56a884b03df78cf7729e838a.jpg)\n\nJustin Case \/ The Image Bank \/ Getty Images\n## Why Do Your Muscles Suddenly Spasm As You Fall Asleep?\nHypnic jerks (hypnagogic jerks) affect up to 70% percent of people.1 These sudden, rapid, uncontrollable muscle twitches, known as sleep starts, occur when you first fall asleep, as you transition from wakefulness to sleep.2\n\nWhy your muscles suddenly twitch is still being studied. However, the current evidence suggests that it's due to a miscommunication between nerves, causing a misfire in your brain that leads to a sudden muscle contraction.\n\nYou may also hear hypnic jerks called sleep or physiologic myoclonus, Myoclonus refers to uncontrollable muscle twitches and spasms. Physiologic myoclonus occurs in healthy people. Other types of myoclonus are symptoms of an underlying health condition.3\n\n## Does Everyone Have Similar Twitching Experiences?\nDuring a hypnic jerk, most people have one strong, brief, contraction affecting most or all of their body's muscles. However, the twitch may affect a few muscles groups, with the arms and legs being the most common.\n\nSome people may experience other sensations during a sleep start, such as:4\n\n- Feeling of falling\n- Startled feeling\n- Flash of light\n- Vocalization (sharp cry)\n- Vivid images or brief hallucination (seeing, hearing, or feeling something that isn't there)5\n## Could Your Lifestyle Trigger Sleep Starts?\nYour chances of hypnic jerks are higher if you have or do any of the following:2\n\n- [Anxiety](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/anxiety-disorders-5205106)\n- Stress\n- Sleep deprivation\n- Drink caffeine or smoke (both are stimulants)\n- Physical exhaustion\n- Vigorous exercise close to bedtime\n\nThough most people aren't bothered by sleep starts, the hypnic jerk episodes may lead to anxiety about falling asleep and [insomnia](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-insomnia-the-features-symptoms-and-causes-3014805). This is especially likely if a related hallucination is upsetting (such as falling from a great height) and remembered.\n\n## Can Sleep Starts Signal Another Health Concern?\nThere are other conditions that may cause twitchy movements (myoclonus) whether you're asleep or awake. These include:26\n\n- [**Restless leg syndrome (RLS)**](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/restless-legs-syndrome-multiple-sclerosis-2440812): RLS causes uncomfortable feelings in the legs, like itching, crawling, and tingling, along with the uncontrollable urge to move your legs. These sensations occur when you're resting or trying to fall asleep.6\n- **Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD)**: This condition causes your legs and arms to move repeatedly and uncontrollably while you sleep. While people with RLS have periodic limb movements, those with PLMD do not necessarily have RLS.7\n- **Pathologic myoclonus**: This type of myoclonus occurs when a brain or nerve disorder causes persistent and severe muscle contractions. Epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, brain tumors, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia with Lewy bodies are a few examples of neurologic conditions that can cause pathologic myoclonus.3\n- [**Fasciculation syndrome**](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/benign-fasciculation-syndromes-2488771): Fasciculation occurs when a specific muscle or group of muscles twitch, often during waking hours. This occurs in about 70% of people.8\n- **Metabolic disorders:** [Metabolic disorders](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/metabolic-syndrome-1745266) are conditions that disrupt some aspect of the body's essential biochemical processes, such as producing proteins and energy, building bones, and using nutrients. Three of the most common metabolic disorders that can cause muscle twitches are liver disease, kidney disease, and [electrolyte imbalances](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/electrolyte-imbalances-4800164).3\n- **Medications:** Numerous medications may trigger or worsen sleep myoclonus. For example, certain antibiotics, antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, mood stabilizers, and atypical antipsychotics cause medication-induced myoclonus (MIM). Opioids like fentanyl and morphine can also cause MIM.9\n- **Infections:** Some bacterial, viral, and fungal infections may cause sleep myoclonus. A few of the most common include measles, rubella, Lyme disease, [human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/hiv-aids-5216828), COVID-19, and [herpes simplex virus](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/hsv-1-vs-hsv-2-7092956).10\n- **Trauma**: An injury to your head or spinal cord may cause nerve damage leading to myoclonus.\n- **Cancer:** Certain cancers, such as [neuroblastoma](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/neuroblastoma-overview-5197561) and lung and breast cancer, may cause myoclonus.3\n\nSeizures can lead to jerky or twitching motion, depending on the [type of seizure](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/seizures-7546651). You also may experience symptoms similar to hypnic jerks due to:4\n\n- Another sleep disorder, such as [sleep apnea](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/sleep-apnea-overview-3014774) (this can be ruled out with a [sleep study](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-to-expect-in-a-sleep-study-3015121))\n- A medical condition. A 2021 study found hypnic jerks were more common during COVID-19 lockdowns in autistic children, for example, when compared with the general population.11\n- Medication use, such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors ([SSRIs](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/ssris-vs-snris-5193051))2\n- A mental health disorder\n- Substance abuse\n## Sleep Starts vs. Other Conditions\nSleep starts have several characteristics that distinguish them from other conditions. Of those, timing is one of the easiest to identify.\n\nHypnic jerks occur as you fall asleep. RLS also begins when you rest, but its symptoms are distinct from sleep starts. PLMD occurs nearly constantly while sleeping. Pathologic myoclonus isn’t limited to sleep; the twitches occur while you’re awake.\n\nAnother difference is that hypnic jerks seldom interfere with your sleep. The other conditions mentioned above frequently disrupt sleep.\n\n## Do You Need Treatment for Hypnic Jerks?\nIn general, it is not necessary to seek testing or treatment for sleep starts. These muscle twitches are common, ordinary, and seldom signify a health concern.\n\nYou will need treatment if your muscle twitches are caused by another condition. Then, the treatment depends on your diagnosis.\n\nHowever, if hypnic jerks occur frequently and disrupt your sleep, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that you take steps to change any lifestyle habits that may trigger the problem. This may include:4\n\n- Learning how to manage stress\n- Seeking treatment for anxiety\n- [Avoiding caffeine](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/caffeine-stress-and-your-health-3145078) and other stimulants in the hours before bedtime\n- Scheduling exercise early in the day\n- [Improving your sleep habits](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/sleep-hygiene-8717173)\n\nImproving your sleep environment includes following a relaxing bedtime routine, turning off lights and electronics (the light affects your sleep-wake cycle), and keeping your room at a comfortable temperature.\n\nRead more:\n\n- [Health A-Z](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/health-a-z-4014770)\n- [Sleep Disorders](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/sleep-disorders-4014648)\n\n11 Sources\n\nVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our [editorial process](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/verywell-editorial-process-4777042) to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.\n\n1. Alghamdi SA. [Hypnic jerks, major depressive disorder, and antidepressant use: a possible relationship](https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC10590197\/). *Cureus*. 2023 Oct 21;15(10):e47436. doi:10.7759\/cureus.47436\n2. Kumar R, Ali SN, Saha S, Bhattacharjee S. [SSRI induced hypnic jerks: a case series](https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC10461585\/). *Indian J Psychiatry*. 2023 Jul;65(7):785-788. doi:10.4103\/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry\\_207\\_23\n3. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. [Myoclonus](https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/health-information\/disorders\/myoclonus).\n4. American Academy of Sleep Medicine. [Sleep starts](https:\/\/sleepeducation.org\/sleep-disorders\/sleep-starts\/).\n5. Waters F, Ling I, Azimi S, Blom JD. [Sleep-related hallucinations](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/38368061\/). *Sleep Med Clin*. 2024 Mar;19(1):143-157. doi:10.1016\/j.jsmc.2023.10.008\n6. Winkelman JW, Berkowski JA, DelRosso LM, Koo BB, Scharf MT, Sharon D, et al. [Treatment of restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine clinical practice guideline](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/39324694\/). *J Clin Sleep Med*. 2025 Jan 1;21(1):137-152. doi:10.5664\/jcsm.11390\n7. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. [Restless legs syndrome.](https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/health-information\/disorders\/restless-legs-syndrome)\n8. Filippakas A, Jara J, Ventura N, et al. [A prospective study of benign fasciculation syndrome and anxiety](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/mus.26193). *Neurology*. 2017;88(16 Supp):852-4. doi:10.1002\/mus.26193\n9. Rissardo JP, Fornari Caprara AL, Bhal N, et al. [Drug-Induced Myoclonus: A Systematic Review.](https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11767161\/) *Medicina (Kaunas).* 2025 Jan 15;61(1):131. doi:10.3390\/medicina61010131.\n10. Kothiala, Apara, Shankar, Vijay, Desai, Soaham,. [Myoclonus associated with infections: A narrative review.](https:\/\/journals.lww.com\/aomd\/fulltext\/2022\/05030\/myoclonus_associated_with_infections__a_narrative.1.aspx) *Annals of Movement Disorders* 5(3):p 137-152, Sep–Dec 2022. DOI:10.4103\/AOMD.AOMD\\_25\\_22\n11. Bruni O, Breda M, Ferri R, Melegari MG. [Changes in sleep patterns and disorders in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorders and autism spectrum disorders during the COVID-19 lockdown](https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC8469743\/). *Brain Sci*. 2021 Aug 27;11(9):1139. doi:10.3390\/brainsci11091139\n\n![Brandon Peters, M.D.](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/BbtKTL7wVNFD-4Y2KIj4azA0HpE=\/144x144\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/BrandonPetersMD_1000-5143e542c3084368b1220c4b86ede01c.png)\n\n![Brandon Peters, M.D.](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/BbtKTL7wVNFD-4Y2KIj4azA0HpE=\/144x144\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/BrandonPetersMD_1000-5143e542c3084368b1220c4b86ede01c.png)\n\nBy [Brandon Peters, MD](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/brandon-peters-md-3014640)   \n Dr. Peters is a board-certified neurologist and sleep medicine specialist and is a fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.\n\n[See Our Editorial Process](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/verywell-editorial-process-4777042)\n\n[Meet Our Medical Expert Board](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/meet-our-medical-expert-board-11762003)\n\nShare Feedback\n\nWas this page helpful?\n\nThanks for your feedback\\!\n\nWhat is your feedback?\n\nHelpful\n\nReport an Error\n\nOther\n\nRelated Articles\n\n[![What to expect in overnight sleep study testing includes how to prepare, what happens during the study, and when results are interpreted](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/iidc9fsGnoA5qWc00wFWH5xcBNw=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/72818730-56a884b35f9b58b7d0f3074e.JPG) ![What to expect in overnight sleep study testing includes how to prepare, what happens during the study, and when results are 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Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.\n\nⒸ 2026 People Inc. — All rights reserved\n\nVerywell Health is part of the [People Inc.](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/) publishing family.\n\n![]()","attrs_readable_markdown":"### Key Takeaways\n- Hypnic jerks are common, sudden muscle twitches that happen when you fall asleep.\n- Stress, anxiety, and fatigue can increase the chances of experiencing sleep starts.\n- Sleep starts are harmless but can sometimes cause worry about falling asleep.\n\nA hypnic (hypnagogic) jerk is a sudden, uncontrollable muscle twitch that occurs as you fall asleep. These twitches, also called sleep starts, are common, harmless, and often triggered by lifestyle issues like stress, anxiety, and fatigue. They also mimic the symptoms of some health conditions.\n\nJustin Case \/ The Image Bank \/ Getty Images\n\n## Why Do Your Muscles Suddenly Spasm As You Fall Asleep?\nHypnic jerks (hypnagogic jerks) affect up to 70% percent of people.1 These sudden, rapid, uncontrollable muscle twitches, known as sleep starts, occur when you first fall asleep, as you transition from wakefulness to sleep.2\n\nWhy your muscles suddenly twitch is still being studied. However, the current evidence suggests that it's due to a miscommunication between nerves, causing a misfire in your brain that leads to a sudden muscle contraction.\n\nYou may also hear hypnic jerks called sleep or physiologic myoclonus, Myoclonus refers to uncontrollable muscle twitches and spasms. Physiologic myoclonus occurs in healthy people. Other types of myoclonus are symptoms of an underlying health condition.3\n\n## Does Everyone Have Similar Twitching Experiences?\nDuring a hypnic jerk, most people have one strong, brief, contraction affecting most or all of their body's muscles. However, the twitch may affect a few muscles groups, with the arms and legs being the most common.\n\nSome people may experience other sensations during a sleep start, such as:4\n\n- Feeling of falling\n- Startled feeling\n- Flash of light\n- Vocalization (sharp cry)\n- Vivid images or brief hallucination (seeing, hearing, or feeling something that isn't there)5\n## Could Your Lifestyle Trigger Sleep Starts?\nYour chances of hypnic jerks are higher if you have or do any of the following:2\n\n- [Anxiety](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/anxiety-disorders-5205106)\n- Stress\n- Sleep deprivation\n- Drink caffeine or smoke (both are stimulants)\n- Physical exhaustion\n- Vigorous exercise close to bedtime\n\nThough most people aren't bothered by sleep starts, the hypnic jerk episodes may lead to anxiety about falling asleep and [insomnia](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-insomnia-the-features-symptoms-and-causes-3014805). This is especially likely if a related hallucination is upsetting (such as falling from a great height) and remembered.\n\n## Can Sleep Starts Signal Another Health Concern?\nThere are other conditions that may cause twitchy movements (myoclonus) whether you're asleep or awake. These include:26\n\n- [**Restless leg syndrome (RLS)**](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/restless-legs-syndrome-multiple-sclerosis-2440812): RLS causes uncomfortable feelings in the legs, like itching, crawling, and tingling, along with the uncontrollable urge to move your legs. These sensations occur when you're resting or trying to fall asleep.6\n- **Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD)**: This condition causes your legs and arms to move repeatedly and uncontrollably while you sleep. While people with RLS have periodic limb movements, those with PLMD do not necessarily have RLS.7\n- **Pathologic myoclonus**: This type of myoclonus occurs when a brain or nerve disorder causes persistent and severe muscle contractions. Epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, brain tumors, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia with Lewy bodies are a few examples of neurologic conditions that can cause pathologic myoclonus.3\n- [**Fasciculation syndrome**](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/benign-fasciculation-syndromes-2488771): Fasciculation occurs when a specific muscle or group of muscles twitch, often during waking hours. This occurs in about 70% of people.8\n- **Metabolic disorders:** [Metabolic disorders](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/metabolic-syndrome-1745266) are conditions that disrupt some aspect of the body's essential biochemical processes, such as producing proteins and energy, building bones, and using nutrients. Three of the most common metabolic disorders that can cause muscle twitches are liver disease, kidney disease, and [electrolyte imbalances](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/electrolyte-imbalances-4800164).3\n- **Medications:** Numerous medications may trigger or worsen sleep myoclonus. For example, certain antibiotics, antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, mood stabilizers, and atypical antipsychotics cause medication-induced myoclonus (MIM). Opioids like fentanyl and morphine can also cause MIM.9\n- **Infections:** Some bacterial, viral, and fungal infections may cause sleep myoclonus. A few of the most common include measles, rubella, Lyme disease, [human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/hiv-aids-5216828), COVID-19, and [herpes simplex virus](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/hsv-1-vs-hsv-2-7092956).10\n- **Trauma**: An injury to your head or spinal cord may cause nerve damage leading to myoclonus.\n- **Cancer:** Certain cancers, such as [neuroblastoma](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/neuroblastoma-overview-5197561) and lung and breast cancer, may cause myoclonus.3\n\nSeizures can lead to jerky or twitching motion, depending on the [type of seizure](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/seizures-7546651). You also may experience symptoms similar to hypnic jerks due to:4\n\n- Another sleep disorder, such as [sleep apnea](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/sleep-apnea-overview-3014774) (this can be ruled out with a [sleep study](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-to-expect-in-a-sleep-study-3015121))\n- A medical condition. A 2021 study found hypnic jerks were more common during COVID-19 lockdowns in autistic children, for example, when compared with the general population.11\n- Medication use, such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors ([SSRIs](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/ssris-vs-snris-5193051))2\n- A mental health disorder\n- Substance abuse\n## Sleep Starts vs. Other Conditions\nSleep starts have several characteristics that distinguish them from other conditions. Of those, timing is one of the easiest to identify.\n\nHypnic jerks occur as you fall asleep. RLS also begins when you rest, but its symptoms are distinct from sleep starts. PLMD occurs nearly constantly while sleeping. Pathologic myoclonus isn’t limited to sleep; the twitches occur while you’re awake.\n\nAnother difference is that hypnic jerks seldom interfere with your sleep. The other conditions mentioned above frequently disrupt sleep.\n\n## Do You Need Treatment for Hypnic Jerks?\nIn general, it is not necessary to seek testing or treatment for sleep starts. These muscle twitches are common, ordinary, and seldom signify a health concern.\n\nYou will need treatment if your muscle twitches are caused by another condition. Then, the treatment depends on your diagnosis.\n\nHowever, if hypnic jerks occur frequently and disrupt your sleep, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that you take steps to change any lifestyle habits that may trigger the problem. This may include:4\n\n- Learning how to manage stress\n- Seeking treatment for anxiety\n- [Avoiding caffeine](https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/caffeine-stress-and-your-health-3145078) and other stimulants in the hours before bedtime\n- Scheduling exercise early in the day\n- [Improving your sleep habits](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/sleep-hygiene-8717173)\n\nImproving your sleep environment includes following a relaxing bedtime routine, turning off lights and electronics (the light affects your sleep-wake cycle), and keeping your room at a comfortable temperature.\n\n11 Sources\n\nVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our [editorial process](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/verywell-editorial-process-4777042) to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.\n\n1. Alghamdi SA. [Hypnic jerks, major depressive disorder, and antidepressant use: a possible relationship](https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC10590197\/). *Cureus*. 2023 Oct 21;15(10):e47436. doi:10.7759\/cureus.47436\n2. Kumar R, Ali SN, Saha S, Bhattacharjee S. [SSRI induced hypnic jerks: a case series](https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC10461585\/). *Indian J Psychiatry*. 2023 Jul;65(7):785-788. doi:10.4103\/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry\\_207\\_23\n3. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. [Myoclonus](https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/health-information\/disorders\/myoclonus).\n4. American Academy of Sleep Medicine. [Sleep starts](https:\/\/sleepeducation.org\/sleep-disorders\/sleep-starts\/).\n5. Waters F, Ling I, Azimi S, Blom JD. [Sleep-related hallucinations](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/38368061\/). *Sleep Med Clin*. 2024 Mar;19(1):143-157. doi:10.1016\/j.jsmc.2023.10.008\n6. Winkelman JW, Berkowski JA, DelRosso LM, Koo BB, Scharf MT, Sharon D, et al. [Treatment of restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine clinical practice guideline](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/39324694\/). *J Clin Sleep Med*. 2025 Jan 1;21(1):137-152. doi:10.5664\/jcsm.11390\n7. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. [Restless legs syndrome.](https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/health-information\/disorders\/restless-legs-syndrome)\n8. Filippakas A, Jara J, Ventura N, et al. [A prospective study of benign fasciculation syndrome and anxiety](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/mus.26193). *Neurology*. 2017;88(16 Supp):852-4. doi:10.1002\/mus.26193\n9. Rissardo JP, Fornari Caprara AL, Bhal N, et al. [Drug-Induced Myoclonus: A Systematic Review.](https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11767161\/) *Medicina (Kaunas).* 2025 Jan 15;61(1):131. doi:10.3390\/medicina61010131.\n10. Kothiala, Apara, Shankar, Vijay, Desai, Soaham,. [Myoclonus associated with infections: A narrative review.](https:\/\/journals.lww.com\/aomd\/fulltext\/2022\/05030\/myoclonus_associated_with_infections__a_narrative.1.aspx) *Annals of Movement Disorders* 5(3):p 137-152, Sep–Dec 2022. DOI:10.4103\/AOMD.AOMD\\_25\\_22\n11. Bruni O, Breda M, Ferri R, Melegari MG. [Changes in sleep patterns and disorders in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorders and autism spectrum disorders during the COVID-19 lockdown](https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC8469743\/). *Brain Sci*. 2021 Aug 27;11(9):1139. doi:10.3390\/brainsci11091139\n\n![Brandon Peters, M.D.](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/BbtKTL7wVNFD-4Y2KIj4azA0HpE=\/144x144\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/BrandonPetersMD_1000-5143e542c3084368b1220c4b86ede01c.png)\n\nBy [Brandon Peters, MD](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/brandon-peters-md-3014640)   \n Dr. Peters is a board-certified neurologist and sleep medicine specialist and is a fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.\n\nWas this page helpful?\n\nThanks for your feedback\\!\n\nWhat is your feedback?","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	Key Takeaways Hypnic jerks are common, sudden muscle twitches that happen when you fall asleep. Stress, anxiety, and fatigue can increase the chances of experiencing sleep starts. Sleep starts are harmless but can sometimes cause worry about falling asleep. A hypnic (hypnagogic) jerk is a sudden, uncontrollable muscle twitch that occurs as you fall asleep. These twitches, also called sleep starts, are common, harmless, and often triggered by lifestyle issues like stress, anxiety, and fatigue. They also mimic the symptoms of some health conditions. Justin Case / The Image Bank / Getty Images Why Do Your Muscles Suddenly Spasm As You Fall Asleep? Hypnic jerks (hypnagogic jerks) affect up to 70% percent of people. 1 These sudden, rapid, uncontrollable muscle twitches, known as sleep starts, occur when you first fall asleep, as you transition from wakefulness to sleep. 2 Why your muscles suddenly twitch is still being studied. However, the current evidence suggests that it's due to a miscommunication between nerves, causing a misfire in your brain that leads to a sudden muscle contraction. You may also hear hypnic jerks called sleep or physiologic myoclonus, Myoclonus refers to uncontrollable muscle twitches and spasms. Physiologic myoclonus occurs in healthy people. Other types of myoclonus are symptoms of an underlying health condition. 3 Does Everyone Have Similar Twitching Experiences? During a hypnic jerk, most people have one strong, brief, contraction affecting most or all of their body's muscles. However, the twitch may affect a few muscles groups, with the arms and legs being the most common. Some people may experience other sensations during a sleep start, such as: 4 Feeling of falling Startled feeling Flash of light Vocalization (sharp cry) Vivid images or brief hallucination (seeing, hearing, or feeling something that isn't there) 5 Could Your Lifestyle Trigger Sleep Starts? Your chances of hypnic jerks are higher if you have or do any of the following: 2 Anxiety Stress Sleep deprivation Drink caffeine or smoke (both are stimulants) Physical exhaustion Vigorous exercise close to bedtime Though most people aren't bothered by sleep starts, the hypnic jerk episodes may lead to anxiety about falling asleep and insomnia . This is especially likely if a related hallucination is upsetting (such as falling from a great height) and remembered. Can Sleep Starts Signal Another Health Concern? There are other conditions that may cause twitchy movements (myoclonus) whether you're asleep or awake. These include: 2 6 Restless leg syndrome (RLS) : RLS causes uncomfortable feelings in the legs, like itching, crawling, and tingling, along with the uncontrollable urge to move your legs. These sensations occur when you're resting or trying to fall asleep. 6 Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) : This condition causes your legs and arms to move repeatedly and uncontrollably while you sleep. While people with RLS have periodic limb movements, those with PLMD do not necessarily have RLS. 7 Pathologic myoclonus : This type of myoclonus occurs when a brain or nerve disorder causes persistent and severe muscle contractions. Epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, brain tumors, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia with Lewy bodies are a few examples of neurologic conditions that can cause pathologic myoclonus. 3 Fasciculation syndrome : Fasciculation occurs when a specific muscle or group of muscles twitch, often during waking hours. This occurs in about 70% of people. 8 Metabolic disorders: Metabolic disorders are conditions that disrupt some aspect of the body's essential biochemical processes, such as producing proteins and energy, building bones, and using nutrients. Three of the most common metabolic disorders that can cause muscle twitches are liver disease, kidney disease, and electrolyte imbalances . 3 Medications: Numerous medications may trigger or worsen sleep myoclonus. For example, certain antibiotics, antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, mood stabilizers, and atypical antipsychotics cause medication-induced myoclonus (MIM). Opioids like fentanyl and morphine can also cause MIM. 9 Infections: Some bacterial, viral, and fungal infections may cause sleep myoclonus. A few of the most common include measles, rubella, Lyme disease, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) , COVID-19, and herpes simplex virus . 10 Trauma : An injury to your head or spinal cord may cause nerve damage leading to myoclonus. Cancer: Certain cancers, such as neuroblastoma and lung and breast cancer, may cause myoclonus. 3 Seizures can lead to jerky or twitching motion, depending on the type of seizure . You also may experience symptoms similar to hypnic jerks due to: 4 Another sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea (this can be ruled out with a sleep study ) A medical condition. A 2021 study found hypnic jerks were more common during COVID-19 lockdowns in autistic children, for example, when compared with the general population. 11 Medication use, such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs ) 2 A mental health disorder Substance abuse Sleep Starts vs. Other Conditions Sleep starts have several characteristics that distinguish them from other conditions. Of those, timing is one of the easiest to identify. Hypnic jerks occur as you fall asleep. RLS also begins when you rest, but its symptoms are distinct from sleep starts. PLMD occurs nearly constantly while sleeping. Pathologic myoclonus isn’t limited to sleep; the twitches occur while you’re awake. Another difference is that hypnic jerks seldom interfere with your sleep. The other conditions mentioned above frequently disrupt sleep. Do You Need Treatment for Hypnic Jerks? In general, it is not necessary to seek testing or treatment for sleep starts. These muscle twitches are common, ordinary, and seldom signify a health concern. You will need treatment if your muscle twitches are caused by another condition. Then, the treatment depends on your diagnosis. However, if hypnic jerks occur frequently and disrupt your sleep, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that you take steps to change any lifestyle habits that may trigger the problem. This may include: 4 Learning how to manage stress Seeking treatment for anxiety Avoiding caffeine and other stimulants in the hours before bedtime Scheduling exercise early in the day Improving your sleep habits Improving your sleep environment includes following a relaxing bedtime routine, turning off lights and electronics (the light affects your sleep-wake cycle), and keeping your room at a comfortable temperature. 11 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Alghamdi SA. Hypnic jerks, major depressive disorder, and antidepressant use: a possible relationship . Cureus . 2023 Oct 21;15(10):e47436. doi:10.7759/cureus.47436 Kumar R, Ali SN, Saha S, Bhattacharjee S. SSRI induced hypnic jerks: a case series . Indian J Psychiatry . 2023 Jul;65(7):785-788. doi:10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_207_23 National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Myoclonus . American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Sleep starts . Waters F, Ling I, Azimi S, Blom JD. Sleep-related hallucinations . Sleep Med Clin . 2024 Mar;19(1):143-157. doi:10.1016/j.jsmc.2023.10.008 Winkelman JW, Berkowski JA, DelRosso LM, Koo BB, Scharf MT, Sharon D, et al. Treatment of restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine clinical practice guideline . J Clin Sleep Med . 2025 Jan 1;21(1):137-152. doi:10.5664/jcsm.11390 National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Restless legs syndrome. Filippakas A, Jara J, Ventura N, et al. A prospective study of benign fasciculation syndrome and anxiety . Neurology . 2017;88(16 Supp):852-4. doi:10.1002/mus.26193 Rissardo JP, Fornari Caprara AL, Bhal N, et al. Drug-Induced Myoclonus: A Systematic Review. Medicina (Kaunas). 2025 Jan 15;61(1):131. doi:10.3390/medicina61010131. Kothiala, Apara, Shankar, Vijay, Desai, Soaham , . Myoclonus associated with infections: A narrative review. Annals of Movement Disorders 5(3):p 137-152, Sep–Dec 2022. DOI:10.4103/AOMD.AOMD_25_22 Bruni O, Breda M, Ferri R, Melegari MG. Changes in sleep patterns and disorders in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorders and autism spectrum disorders during the COVID-19 lockdown . Brain Sci . 2021 Aug 27;11(9):1139. doi:10.3390/brainsci11091139 By Brandon Peters, MD Dr. Peters is a board-certified neurologist and sleep medicine specialist and is a fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback?
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Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Ⓒ 2026 People Inc. — All rights reserved # Why Do Hypnic Jerks Make Muscles Twitch When Falling Asleep? By [Brandon Peters, MD](https://www.verywellhealth.com/brandon-peters-md-3014640) Updated on December 08, 2025 Medically reviewed by [Arno Kroner, DAOM](https://www.verywellhealth.com/arno-kroner-daom-lac-4797488) Table of Contents View All Table of Contents - [Hypnic Jerk Causes](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-a-hypnagogic-jerk-and-what-causes-sleep-starts-3014889#toc-why-do-your-muscles-suddenly-spasm-as-you-fall-asleep) - [Sensations Along With Sleep Starts](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-a-hypnagogic-jerk-and-what-causes-sleep-starts-3014889#toc-does-everyone-have-similar-twitching-experiences) - [Lifestyle Triggers](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-a-hypnagogic-jerk-and-what-causes-sleep-starts-3014889#toc-could-your-lifestyle-trigger-sleep-starts) - [Other Conditions](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-a-hypnagogic-jerk-and-what-causes-sleep-starts-3014889#toc-can-sleep-starts-signal-another-health-concern) - [Hypnic Jerks vs. Other Conditions](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-a-hypnagogic-jerk-and-what-causes-sleep-starts-3014889#toc-sleep-starts-vs-other-conditions) - [Treatment](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-a-hypnagogic-jerk-and-what-causes-sleep-starts-3014889#toc-do-you-need-treatment-for-hypnic-jerks) ### Key Takeaways - Hypnic jerks are common, sudden muscle twitches that happen when you fall asleep. - Stress, anxiety, and fatigue can increase the chances of experiencing sleep starts. - Sleep starts are harmless but can sometimes cause worry about falling asleep. A hypnic (hypnagogic) jerk is a sudden, uncontrollable muscle twitch that occurs as you fall asleep. These twitches, also called sleep starts, are common, harmless, and often triggered by lifestyle issues like stress, anxiety, and fatigue. They also mimic the symptoms of some health conditions. ![A woman sleeping in bed who may be experiencing hypnagogic jerks or sleep starts](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/-5G46Z65u1HgS_i7BCguPgEXuPQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/142010707_HighRes-56a884b03df78cf7729e838a.jpg) ![A woman sleeping in bed who may be experiencing hypnagogic jerks or sleep starts](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/-5G46Z65u1HgS_i7BCguPgEXuPQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/142010707_HighRes-56a884b03df78cf7729e838a.jpg) Justin Case / The Image Bank / Getty Images ## Why Do Your Muscles Suddenly Spasm As You Fall Asleep? Hypnic jerks (hypnagogic jerks) affect up to 70% percent of people.1 These sudden, rapid, uncontrollable muscle twitches, known as sleep starts, occur when you first fall asleep, as you transition from wakefulness to sleep.2 Why your muscles suddenly twitch is still being studied. However, the current evidence suggests that it's due to a miscommunication between nerves, causing a misfire in your brain that leads to a sudden muscle contraction. You may also hear hypnic jerks called sleep or physiologic myoclonus, Myoclonus refers to uncontrollable muscle twitches and spasms. Physiologic myoclonus occurs in healthy people. Other types of myoclonus are symptoms of an underlying health condition.3 ## Does Everyone Have Similar Twitching Experiences? During a hypnic jerk, most people have one strong, brief, contraction affecting most or all of their body's muscles. However, the twitch may affect a few muscles groups, with the arms and legs being the most common. Some people may experience other sensations during a sleep start, such as:4 - Feeling of falling - Startled feeling - Flash of light - Vocalization (sharp cry) - Vivid images or brief hallucination (seeing, hearing, or feeling something that isn't there)5 ## Could Your Lifestyle Trigger Sleep Starts? Your chances of hypnic jerks are higher if you have or do any of the following:2 - [Anxiety](https://www.verywellhealth.com/anxiety-disorders-5205106) - Stress - Sleep deprivation - Drink caffeine or smoke (both are stimulants) - Physical exhaustion - Vigorous exercise close to bedtime Though most people aren't bothered by sleep starts, the hypnic jerk episodes may lead to anxiety about falling asleep and [insomnia](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-insomnia-the-features-symptoms-and-causes-3014805). This is especially likely if a related hallucination is upsetting (such as falling from a great height) and remembered. ## Can Sleep Starts Signal Another Health Concern? There are other conditions that may cause twitchy movements (myoclonus) whether you're asleep or awake. These include:26 - [Restless leg syndrome (RLS)](https://www.verywellhealth.com/restless-legs-syndrome-multiple-sclerosis-2440812): RLS causes uncomfortable feelings in the legs, like itching, crawling, and tingling, along with the uncontrollable urge to move your legs. These sensations occur when you're resting or trying to fall asleep.6 - Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD): This condition causes your legs and arms to move repeatedly and uncontrollably while you sleep. While people with RLS have periodic limb movements, those with PLMD do not necessarily have RLS.7 - Pathologic myoclonus: This type of myoclonus occurs when a brain or nerve disorder causes persistent and severe muscle contractions. Epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, brain tumors, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia with Lewy bodies are a few examples of neurologic conditions that can cause pathologic myoclonus.3 - [Fasciculation syndrome](https://www.verywellhealth.com/benign-fasciculation-syndromes-2488771): Fasciculation occurs when a specific muscle or group of muscles twitch, often during waking hours. This occurs in about 70% of people.8 - Metabolic disorders: [Metabolic disorders](https://www.verywellhealth.com/metabolic-syndrome-1745266) are conditions that disrupt some aspect of the body's essential biochemical processes, such as producing proteins and energy, building bones, and using nutrients. Three of the most common metabolic disorders that can cause muscle twitches are liver disease, kidney disease, and [electrolyte imbalances](https://www.verywellhealth.com/electrolyte-imbalances-4800164).3 - Medications: Numerous medications may trigger or worsen sleep myoclonus. For example, certain antibiotics, antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, mood stabilizers, and atypical antipsychotics cause medication-induced myoclonus (MIM). Opioids like fentanyl and morphine can also cause MIM.9 - Infections: Some bacterial, viral, and fungal infections may cause sleep myoclonus. A few of the most common include measles, rubella, Lyme disease, [human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)](https://www.verywellhealth.com/hiv-aids-5216828), COVID-19, and [herpes simplex virus](https://www.verywellhealth.com/hsv-1-vs-hsv-2-7092956).10 - Trauma: An injury to your head or spinal cord may cause nerve damage leading to myoclonus. - Cancer: Certain cancers, such as [neuroblastoma](https://www.verywellhealth.com/neuroblastoma-overview-5197561) and lung and breast cancer, may cause myoclonus.3 Seizures can lead to jerky or twitching motion, depending on the [type of seizure](https://www.verywellhealth.com/seizures-7546651). You also may experience symptoms similar to hypnic jerks due to:4 - Another sleep disorder, such as [sleep apnea](https://www.verywellhealth.com/sleep-apnea-overview-3014774) (this can be ruled out with a [sleep study](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-to-expect-in-a-sleep-study-3015121)) - A medical condition. A 2021 study found hypnic jerks were more common during COVID-19 lockdowns in autistic children, for example, when compared with the general population.11 - Medication use, such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors ([SSRIs](https://www.verywellhealth.com/ssris-vs-snris-5193051))2 - A mental health disorder - Substance abuse ## Sleep Starts vs. Other Conditions Sleep starts have several characteristics that distinguish them from other conditions. Of those, timing is one of the easiest to identify. Hypnic jerks occur as you fall asleep. RLS also begins when you rest, but its symptoms are distinct from sleep starts. PLMD occurs nearly constantly while sleeping. Pathologic myoclonus isn’t limited to sleep; the twitches occur while you’re awake. Another difference is that hypnic jerks seldom interfere with your sleep. The other conditions mentioned above frequently disrupt sleep. ## Do You Need Treatment for Hypnic Jerks? In general, it is not necessary to seek testing or treatment for sleep starts. These muscle twitches are common, ordinary, and seldom signify a health concern. You will need treatment if your muscle twitches are caused by another condition. Then, the treatment depends on your diagnosis. However, if hypnic jerks occur frequently and disrupt your sleep, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that you take steps to change any lifestyle habits that may trigger the problem. This may include:4 - Learning how to manage stress - Seeking treatment for anxiety - [Avoiding caffeine](https://www.verywellmind.com/caffeine-stress-and-your-health-3145078) and other stimulants in the hours before bedtime - Scheduling exercise early in the day - [Improving your sleep habits](https://www.verywellhealth.com/sleep-hygiene-8717173) Improving your sleep environment includes following a relaxing bedtime routine, turning off lights and electronics (the light affects your sleep-wake cycle), and keeping your room at a comfortable temperature. Read more: - [Health A-Z](https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770) - [Sleep Disorders](https://www.verywellhealth.com/sleep-disorders-4014648) 11 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our [editorial process](https://www.verywellhealth.com/verywell-editorial-process-4777042) to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. 1. Alghamdi SA. [Hypnic jerks, major depressive disorder, and antidepressant use: a possible relationship](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10590197/). Cureus. 2023 Oct 21;15(10):e47436. doi:10.7759/cureus.47436 2. Kumar R, Ali SN, Saha S, Bhattacharjee S. [SSRI induced hypnic jerks: a case series](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10461585/). Indian J Psychiatry. 2023 Jul;65(7):785-788. doi:10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry\_207\_23 3. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. [Myoclonus](https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/myoclonus). 4. American Academy of Sleep Medicine. [Sleep starts](https://sleepeducation.org/sleep-disorders/sleep-starts/). 5. Waters F, Ling I, Azimi S, Blom JD. [Sleep-related hallucinations](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38368061/). Sleep Med Clin. 2024 Mar;19(1):143-157. doi:10.1016/j.jsmc.2023.10.008 6. Winkelman JW, Berkowski JA, DelRosso LM, Koo BB, Scharf MT, Sharon D, et al. [Treatment of restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine clinical practice guideline](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39324694/). J Clin Sleep Med. 2025 Jan 1;21(1):137-152. doi:10.5664/jcsm.11390 7. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. [Restless legs syndrome.](https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/restless-legs-syndrome) 8. Filippakas A, Jara J, Ventura N, et al. [A prospective study of benign fasciculation syndrome and anxiety](https://doi.org/10.1002/mus.26193). Neurology. 2017;88(16 Supp):852-4. doi:10.1002/mus.26193 9. Rissardo JP, Fornari Caprara AL, Bhal N, et al. [Drug-Induced Myoclonus: A Systematic Review.](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11767161/) Medicina (Kaunas). 2025 Jan 15;61(1):131. doi:10.3390/medicina61010131. 10. Kothiala, Apara, Shankar, Vijay, Desai, Soaham,. [Myoclonus associated with infections: A narrative review.](https://journals.lww.com/aomd/fulltext/2022/05030/myoclonus_associated_with_infections__a_narrative.1.aspx) Annals of Movement Disorders 5(3):p 137-152, Sep–Dec 2022. DOI:10.4103/AOMD.AOMD\_25\_22 11. Bruni O, Breda M, Ferri R, Melegari MG. [Changes in sleep patterns and disorders in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorders and autism spectrum disorders during the COVID-19 lockdown](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8469743/). Brain Sci. 2021 Aug 27;11(9):1139. doi:10.3390/brainsci11091139 ![Brandon Peters, M.D.](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/BbtKTL7wVNFD-4Y2KIj4azA0HpE=/144x144/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/BrandonPetersMD_1000-5143e542c3084368b1220c4b86ede01c.png) ![Brandon Peters, M.D.](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/BbtKTL7wVNFD-4Y2KIj4azA0HpE=/144x144/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/BrandonPetersMD_1000-5143e542c3084368b1220c4b86ede01c.png) By [Brandon Peters, MD](https://www.verywellhealth.com/brandon-peters-md-3014640) Dr. Peters is a board-certified neurologist and sleep medicine specialist and is a fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. [See Our Editorial Process](https://www.verywellhealth.com/verywell-editorial-process-4777042) [Meet Our Medical Expert Board](https://www.verywellhealth.com/meet-our-medical-expert-board-11762003) Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback\! What is your feedback? 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Readable Markdown	### Key Takeaways - Hypnic jerks are common, sudden muscle twitches that happen when you fall asleep. - Stress, anxiety, and fatigue can increase the chances of experiencing sleep starts. - Sleep starts are harmless but can sometimes cause worry about falling asleep. A hypnic (hypnagogic) jerk is a sudden, uncontrollable muscle twitch that occurs as you fall asleep. These twitches, also called sleep starts, are common, harmless, and often triggered by lifestyle issues like stress, anxiety, and fatigue. They also mimic the symptoms of some health conditions. Justin Case / The Image Bank / Getty Images ## Why Do Your Muscles Suddenly Spasm As You Fall Asleep? Hypnic jerks (hypnagogic jerks) affect up to 70% percent of people.1 These sudden, rapid, uncontrollable muscle twitches, known as sleep starts, occur when you first fall asleep, as you transition from wakefulness to sleep.2 Why your muscles suddenly twitch is still being studied. However, the current evidence suggests that it's due to a miscommunication between nerves, causing a misfire in your brain that leads to a sudden muscle contraction. You may also hear hypnic jerks called sleep or physiologic myoclonus, Myoclonus refers to uncontrollable muscle twitches and spasms. Physiologic myoclonus occurs in healthy people. Other types of myoclonus are symptoms of an underlying health condition.3 ## Does Everyone Have Similar Twitching Experiences? During a hypnic jerk, most people have one strong, brief, contraction affecting most or all of their body's muscles. However, the twitch may affect a few muscles groups, with the arms and legs being the most common. Some people may experience other sensations during a sleep start, such as:4 - Feeling of falling - Startled feeling - Flash of light - Vocalization (sharp cry) - Vivid images or brief hallucination (seeing, hearing, or feeling something that isn't there)5 ## Could Your Lifestyle Trigger Sleep Starts? Your chances of hypnic jerks are higher if you have or do any of the following:2 - [Anxiety](https://www.verywellhealth.com/anxiety-disorders-5205106) - Stress - Sleep deprivation - Drink caffeine or smoke (both are stimulants) - Physical exhaustion - Vigorous exercise close to bedtime Though most people aren't bothered by sleep starts, the hypnic jerk episodes may lead to anxiety about falling asleep and [insomnia](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-insomnia-the-features-symptoms-and-causes-3014805). This is especially likely if a related hallucination is upsetting (such as falling from a great height) and remembered. ## Can Sleep Starts Signal Another Health Concern? There are other conditions that may cause twitchy movements (myoclonus) whether you're asleep or awake. These include:26 - [Restless leg syndrome (RLS)](https://www.verywellhealth.com/restless-legs-syndrome-multiple-sclerosis-2440812): RLS causes uncomfortable feelings in the legs, like itching, crawling, and tingling, along with the uncontrollable urge to move your legs. These sensations occur when you're resting or trying to fall asleep.6 - Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD): This condition causes your legs and arms to move repeatedly and uncontrollably while you sleep. While people with RLS have periodic limb movements, those with PLMD do not necessarily have RLS.7 - Pathologic myoclonus: This type of myoclonus occurs when a brain or nerve disorder causes persistent and severe muscle contractions. Epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, brain tumors, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia with Lewy bodies are a few examples of neurologic conditions that can cause pathologic myoclonus.3 - [Fasciculation syndrome](https://www.verywellhealth.com/benign-fasciculation-syndromes-2488771): Fasciculation occurs when a specific muscle or group of muscles twitch, often during waking hours. This occurs in about 70% of people.8 - Metabolic disorders: [Metabolic disorders](https://www.verywellhealth.com/metabolic-syndrome-1745266) are conditions that disrupt some aspect of the body's essential biochemical processes, such as producing proteins and energy, building bones, and using nutrients. Three of the most common metabolic disorders that can cause muscle twitches are liver disease, kidney disease, and [electrolyte imbalances](https://www.verywellhealth.com/electrolyte-imbalances-4800164).3 - Medications: Numerous medications may trigger or worsen sleep myoclonus. For example, certain antibiotics, antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, mood stabilizers, and atypical antipsychotics cause medication-induced myoclonus (MIM). Opioids like fentanyl and morphine can also cause MIM.9 - Infections: Some bacterial, viral, and fungal infections may cause sleep myoclonus. A few of the most common include measles, rubella, Lyme disease, [human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)](https://www.verywellhealth.com/hiv-aids-5216828), COVID-19, and [herpes simplex virus](https://www.verywellhealth.com/hsv-1-vs-hsv-2-7092956).10 - Trauma: An injury to your head or spinal cord may cause nerve damage leading to myoclonus. - Cancer: Certain cancers, such as [neuroblastoma](https://www.verywellhealth.com/neuroblastoma-overview-5197561) and lung and breast cancer, may cause myoclonus.3 Seizures can lead to jerky or twitching motion, depending on the [type of seizure](https://www.verywellhealth.com/seizures-7546651). You also may experience symptoms similar to hypnic jerks due to:4 - Another sleep disorder, such as [sleep apnea](https://www.verywellhealth.com/sleep-apnea-overview-3014774) (this can be ruled out with a [sleep study](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-to-expect-in-a-sleep-study-3015121)) - A medical condition. A 2021 study found hypnic jerks were more common during COVID-19 lockdowns in autistic children, for example, when compared with the general population.11 - Medication use, such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors ([SSRIs](https://www.verywellhealth.com/ssris-vs-snris-5193051))2 - A mental health disorder - Substance abuse ## Sleep Starts vs. Other Conditions Sleep starts have several characteristics that distinguish them from other conditions. Of those, timing is one of the easiest to identify. Hypnic jerks occur as you fall asleep. RLS also begins when you rest, but its symptoms are distinct from sleep starts. PLMD occurs nearly constantly while sleeping. Pathologic myoclonus isn’t limited to sleep; the twitches occur while you’re awake. Another difference is that hypnic jerks seldom interfere with your sleep. The other conditions mentioned above frequently disrupt sleep. ## Do You Need Treatment for Hypnic Jerks? In general, it is not necessary to seek testing or treatment for sleep starts. These muscle twitches are common, ordinary, and seldom signify a health concern. You will need treatment if your muscle twitches are caused by another condition. Then, the treatment depends on your diagnosis. However, if hypnic jerks occur frequently and disrupt your sleep, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that you take steps to change any lifestyle habits that may trigger the problem. This may include:4 - Learning how to manage stress - Seeking treatment for anxiety - [Avoiding caffeine](https://www.verywellmind.com/caffeine-stress-and-your-health-3145078) and other stimulants in the hours before bedtime - Scheduling exercise early in the day - [Improving your sleep habits](https://www.verywellhealth.com/sleep-hygiene-8717173) Improving your sleep environment includes following a relaxing bedtime routine, turning off lights and electronics (the light affects your sleep-wake cycle), and keeping your room at a comfortable temperature. 11 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our [editorial process](https://www.verywellhealth.com/verywell-editorial-process-4777042) to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. 1. Alghamdi SA. [Hypnic jerks, major depressive disorder, and antidepressant use: a possible relationship](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10590197/). Cureus. 2023 Oct 21;15(10):e47436. doi:10.7759/cureus.47436 2. Kumar R, Ali SN, Saha S, Bhattacharjee S. [SSRI induced hypnic jerks: a case series](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10461585/). Indian J Psychiatry. 2023 Jul;65(7):785-788. doi:10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry\_207\_23 3. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. [Myoclonus](https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/myoclonus). 4. American Academy of Sleep Medicine. [Sleep starts](https://sleepeducation.org/sleep-disorders/sleep-starts/). 5. Waters F, Ling I, Azimi S, Blom JD. [Sleep-related hallucinations](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38368061/). Sleep Med Clin. 2024 Mar;19(1):143-157. doi:10.1016/j.jsmc.2023.10.008 6. Winkelman JW, Berkowski JA, DelRosso LM, Koo BB, Scharf MT, Sharon D, et al. [Treatment of restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine clinical practice guideline](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39324694/). J Clin Sleep Med. 2025 Jan 1;21(1):137-152. doi:10.5664/jcsm.11390 7. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. [Restless legs syndrome.](https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/restless-legs-syndrome) 8. Filippakas A, Jara J, Ventura N, et al. [A prospective study of benign fasciculation syndrome and anxiety](https://doi.org/10.1002/mus.26193). Neurology. 2017;88(16 Supp):852-4. doi:10.1002/mus.26193 9. Rissardo JP, Fornari Caprara AL, Bhal N, et al. [Drug-Induced Myoclonus: A Systematic Review.](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11767161/) Medicina (Kaunas). 2025 Jan 15;61(1):131. doi:10.3390/medicina61010131. 10. Kothiala, Apara, Shankar, Vijay, Desai, Soaham,. [Myoclonus associated with infections: A narrative review.](https://journals.lww.com/aomd/fulltext/2022/05030/myoclonus_associated_with_infections__a_narrative.1.aspx) Annals of Movement Disorders 5(3):p 137-152, Sep–Dec 2022. DOI:10.4103/AOMD.AOMD\_25\_22 11. Bruni O, Breda M, Ferri R, Melegari MG. [Changes in sleep patterns and disorders in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorders and autism spectrum disorders during the COVID-19 lockdown](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8469743/). Brain Sci. 2021 Aug 27;11(9):1139. doi:10.3390/brainsci11091139 ![Brandon Peters, M.D.](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/BbtKTL7wVNFD-4Y2KIj4azA0HpE=/144x144/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/BrandonPetersMD_1000-5143e542c3084368b1220c4b86ede01c.png) By [Brandon Peters, MD](https://www.verywellhealth.com/brandon-peters-md-3014640) Dr. Peters is a board-certified neurologist and sleep medicine specialist and is a fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback\! What is your feedback?
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