Sleep Experts Explain Why , People Sometimes Jerk Awake , Just After Falling Asleep.<br />CNN recently spoke with sleep experts <br />about the common experience of falling <br />asleep and suddenly waking with a start.<br />Sleep starts usually involve one strong <br />jerk that moves most of your body, with <br />the arms and legs more likely to be affected. <br />This can jolt you awake before you <br />have the chance to fall asleep, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, associate professor of clinical medicine at the <br />University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine, via CNN.<br />Some people experience it like a sudden sensation of <br />falling, others hear a loud snapping noise, see a bright <br />light or feel a muscle twitch as if from an electric shock.<br />According to scientists, the sensations are often <br />accompanied by a rapid heartbeat, faster breathing, <br />sweating or a vivid dream or hallucination.<br />Officially known as "hypnic jerks," <br />these are normal occurrences that both men <br />and women of any age can experience. .<br />It’s estimated that nearly <br />70% of the population experience <br />sleep starts at some point. , Dr. Raj Dasgupta, associate professor of clinical medicine at the <br />University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine, via CNN.<br />CNN reports that experts believe excessive <br />caffeine intake and increased physical or emotional <br />stress may increase the frequency of hypnic jerks.<br />They also may be facilitated by fatigue <br />or sleep deprivation. However, <br />most hypnic jerks occur essentially <br />at random in healthy people, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, associate professor of clinical medicine at the <br />University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine, via CNN.<br />They also may be facilitated by fatigue <br />or sleep deprivation. However, <br />most hypnic jerks occur essentially <br />at random in healthy people, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, associate professor of clinical medicine at the <br />University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine, via CNN.<br />According to CNN's expert, reducing caffeine intake, <br />avoiding alcohol near bedtime, practicing meditation and <br />keeping to a sleep routine may help prevent hypnic jerks.<br />Sleeping is something you’ve done <br />your whole life, but the older you get, <br />the harder it can get to fall sleep, <br />so practice good sleep hygiene, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, associate professor of clinical medicine at the <br />University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine, via CNN
