Why Your Body Jolts When Falling Asleep — The Science of Hypnic Jerks (And When to Worry)

You’re drifting off… then—BAM!—your body jerks awake as if you’ve just missed a step on the stairs. Your heart races. You’re wide-eyed in the dark, wondering: Was I falling? Is something wrong with me?
This startling sensation is called a hypnic jerk (or "sleep start"), and it’s completely normal for most people. Let’s demystify what’s happening—and when it might signal a deeper issue.
🔬 What Is a Hypnic Jerk?

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