What Is a Hypnic Jerk?
A hypnic jerk is a type of involuntary muscle twitch that typically occurs during the transition from wakefulness to sleep—specifically in the first stage of non-REM sleep. It often comes with a vivid sensation of falling or tripping, and is sometimes accompanied by visual imagery (like a flash of light) or even a noise, such as a bang or buzz.
Researchers believe that between 60% to 70% of people experience hypnic jerks at some point in their lives. For most, it’s an occasional quirk. For others, especially those who are sleep-deprived or under stress, it can happen more frequently.
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