Doctor Amir Khan, a GP known for his health advice on ITV's Lorraine, has explained why many people experience a sudden jolt as they fall asleep. In a video shared on Instagram, he described the phenomenon as a 'hypnic jerk', which occurs when muscles relax and the brain misinterprets this as falling.
According to Doctor Khan, this misinterpretation causes the brain to send a quick signal to the body to 'catch' itself, resulting in a twitch or jolt. He noted that this reflex may be an ancient survival mechanism from when humans slept in trees, preventing actual falls.
Hypnic jerks are common, affecting over 80% of people, and are generally harmless. They can be triggered by stress, late caffeine consumption, fatigue, or uncomfortable sleeping positions. Doctor Khan emphasised that they are 'totally normal' and nothing to worry about.
To reduce the frequency of hypnic jerks, Doctor Khan suggested reducing stimulants like caffeine, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and practising relaxation techniques. However, he advised that persistent or painful episodes should be discussed with a doctor to rule out other sleep disorders.
Doctor Khan also recently addressed why many people wake up at 3am, offering further sleep advice. He encouraged those struggling with sleep to speak to their GP for support.
