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Jerking awake during sleep

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andy1977
andy1977

For the last month or so, I’ve been jerking awake during sleep, including during during dreams but also when I don’t appear to be dreaming. It frequently feels like my body will jerk as I wake (I think it’s as I wake and not before I wake) but it’s not clear to me if I do. Basically, I’m sleeping then jerk awake & it feels as if a body part will jerk. 

Anyone with any thoughts? Most of what I read about hypnic jerks indicates that they happen upon falling asleep, but these will happen 2-6 hours after falling asleep. I’ve read that it could still be hypnic jerks & am hoping that’s what these are.

As background, im a 41 yr old male, and these began after I saw a neuro to get checked for Parkinson’s, as I have benign tremors & just wanted to confirm nothing to worry about. He asked if I ever acted out my dreams & I said to my knowledge “no” & that my girlfriend never said I have. I confirmed with her that I haven’t done so & haven’t done so since. I’m terrified these jerks are indicative of REM sleep disorder, but I don’t appear to be acting anything out & am instead just jerking awake. I’m also not talking or vocalizing in my sleep at all. 

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • andy1977
    andy1977

    Posted

    To add a quick note: Basically, I’m very nervous and assume that’s making it worse and deep down believe that this is rooted in anxiety but would appreciate any thoughts. 
  • craig84609
    craig84609 andy1977

    Posted

    I have the same issue and I went in for a sleep study. All they said was wrong was I have sleep apnea. The tech that was watching me said I had severe jerking while entering different stages of sleep. The doctor didn't have any answers for me at all. Some times I can twitch so violently that I will here a bone crack or pop. I have also kicked everything off my bed at night due to my leg shooting straight up in the air, as if I was trying to kick a goal in a soccer game, but nothing wrong with me they said. I don't believe it at all. I think it is a symptom of a immune disorder that I have. I think I have Lupus and I have been diagnosed with Crohn's disease. I would press your doctor for some answers and let me know what they say, cause my doctor doesn't think it is anything to worry about. As a kid I did sleep walk and carry on conversations in my sleep. Just odd stuff if you ask me.

    • andy1977
      andy1977 craig84609

      Posted

      Will certainly ask and let you know. & have you jerked awake during dreams?

  • andy1977
    andy1977

    Posted

    For example, last night, it happened twice. Once around 2am, and I kind of jerked awake (SleepScore said I was in light sleep). Kinda felt like maybe arm jerked but not sure. Then at 4am-ish, (sleepscore said I was in REM) jerked awake from dream & it felt like my right shoulder jerked. Dream was a boring work dream & I was listening to co-worker talk to client when I jerked awake, so wasn’t “acting” anything out with right shoulder.

    Really scared about this so any help anyone can provide is greatly appreciated!

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