“Sleep tremors” or “sleep tremors” occur during the transition from a state of wakefulness to deep sleep, where the sleeper feels a sudden tremor in his body, and although it is a common occurrence, the exact reason behind its occurrence remains unclear.
In an article published by Popular Science magazine, writer Andrew Ball says that this tremor occurs because the sleeper feels that he is about to fall from a high place, and leads to feeling dizzy and suddenly moving involuntarily on the bed.
According to the author, there is no known reason for this widespread condition that causes stress and discomfort, as about 70 percent of people feel sleep tremors at least once in their lives, and about 10 percent may suffer from this phenomenon on a regular basis.
Different interpretations
Although this phenomenon has been widespread and documented for a long time, researchers have not yet agreed on the causes of its occurrence. A study published in 2018 in the journal “Current Sleep Medicine Reports” confirmed that “sleep vibrations represent an interesting phenomenon within the phenomena of sleep.” However, additional studies are necessary to clarify the pathophysiology and origin of this phenomenon.
“I’m not aware of any good explanation for why it happens,” says Allen Reichert, M.D., director of sleep medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. “It’s a regulated muscle movement, so it requires a connection to the central nervous system. However, where and how that movement is stimulated, and why it happens, To my knowledge, it remains unknown.”
According to experts, the movements that occur during sleep tremors are considered a prominent example of “muscle tremors,” which are involuntary muscle spasms similar to hiccups or epileptic seizures, but this does not mean that sudden awakening after turning off the lights requires medical intervention.
In this context, Reichert explained, “We do not consider it a pathological problem. It is a natural phenomenon. It is certainly not a sign of a sleep disorder that requires treatment, and it is not evidence of health problems such as seizures or movement disorders.”
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine reviews a number of factors that may explain the occurrence of “sleep jerks,” including consuming large amounts of caffeine or other stimulants, “excessive psychological stress, hard physical work or intense exercise, and sleep deprivation, but these explanations are quite broad.” It is difficult to determine the exact reason, according to the author.
Reichert confirms that there is no scientific evidence that getting enough rest may help get rid of sleep tremors, nor that lack of sleep may lead to their exacerbation.
The writer stated that one research group explained this feeling as a decrease in blood pressure and relaxation of muscle tissue, which leads to a disturbance in brain signals and entry into a state of panic that lasts for a short period. Other experts believe that a tremor may occur when your brain instinctively believes that you are at risk of falling from a high place.
No need to visit a doctor
Professor Reichert explained that he is not aware of specific medications or behavioral changes that have been shown to increase or decrease the incidence of sleep jerks. For its part, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends avoiding caffeine and other stimulants in the hours before sleep, working to reduce stress, and ensuring adequate sleep in general.
The writer concluded by saying that experts believe that as long as sleep tremors and the subsequent tension do not negatively affect your life, there is no need for medical consultation.