Gina Johnson
Involuntary shaking or twitching during sleep, known as sleep myoclonus or hypnic jerks, is a common occurrence that typically occurs when transitioning from wakefulness to sleep. While often benign, it can sometimes indicate an underlying health condition. Hypnic jerks are usually sudden, unpredictable, and may vary in intensity, ranging from minor muscle contractions to more forceful spasms that startle the sleeper awake. They can be caused by various factors, including caffeine consumption, nicotine use, alcohol intake, stress, and anxiety. While these twitches are generally harmless, individuals experiencing frequent and intense episodes that interfere with sleep should consult a doctor for advice and potential treatment options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Condition | Sleep myoclonus, hypnic jerks, sleep starts, sleep twitches, myoclonic jerks, night starts |
| Cause | Unknown, but could be due to overtiredness, uncomfortable sleeping position, caffeine, nicotine, drugs, stress, anxiety, strenuous activities, sleep deprivation, low blood sugar, medication, neurological disorder, sleep disorder, nervous system disorder |
| Treatment | Reducing stimulants, physical exertion, and stress, consuming magnesium, medication (e.g. low-dose clonazepam), stretching, massaging, improving sleep hygiene, relaxation techniques, meditation, deep breathing, yoga |
| Severity | Usually harmless, but can be intense and disruptive to sleep, and in rare cases, can cause minor injuries |
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What You'll Learn
- Shaking in your sleep could be due to hypnic jerks, also known as sleep starts
- Sleep myoclonus is a condition that causes involuntary muscle twitches during sleep
- Low blood sugar levels can cause tremors or shakes when waking up
- Anxiety can cause shaking when waking up, and also increase the frequency of hypnic jerks
- Certain medications can cause shaking or tremors as side effects
Shaking in your sleep could be due to hypnic jerks, also known as sleep starts
Hypnic jerks are commonly experienced by people of all ages, with 60-70% of individuals estimated to have encountered them at some point. They are typically not a cause for concern and are considered a normal part of falling asleep. However, frequent and intense hypnic jerks can disrupt sleep and lead to insomnia. Additionally, they may be mistaken for other conditions such as restless leg syndrome or seizures, so it is important to consult a doctor if there are concerns.
To reduce the occurrence of hypnic jerks, certain lifestyle changes can be implemented. These include reducing the consumption of stimulants like caffeine and nicotine, avoiding strenuous activities close to bedtime, and incorporating stress reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga into one's routine. Improving sleep hygiene and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can also help minimise the frequency of hypnic jerks.
While hypnic jerks themselves are not indicative of an underlying health condition, shaking upon waking up could be related to factors such as low blood sugar or anxiety. In some cases, it may be a side effect of certain medications. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough examination to determine the underlying cause of shaking during sleep if it persists or is accompanied by other symptoms.
Overall, while shaking in your sleep could be due to hypnic jerks, which are generally harmless, it is important to be mindful of other potential causes and seek medical advice if necessary.
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Sleep myoclonus is a condition that causes involuntary muscle twitches during sleep
Shaking in your sleep could be due to hypnic jerks, also known as sleep starts or hypnagogic jerks. These are involuntary muscle contractions that some people experience as they fall asleep. They are common and harmless, occurring in 60–70% of individuals and can be caused by factors such as overtiredness, caffeine, nicotine, or certain drugs. However, if these jerks are intense, they may lead to insomnia.
If you experience frequent and intense involuntary muscle twitches during sleep that affect your ability to fall or stay asleep, you may be experiencing sleep myoclonus. Sleep myoclonus is characterised by unpredictable and involuntary muscle jerks or spasms that can affect a single muscle or multiple muscle groups. It is not a disease but a symptom of several conditions, including neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases. Sleep myoclonus can also occur without any identifiable cause.
While sleep myoclonus is typically not a cause for concern, it can disrupt sleep and affect your quality of life. Treatment options include medication, such as antiseizure and anticonvulsant drugs, and at-home remedies. However, it is essential to consult a doctor before starting any new medication or supplement. Physiologic forms of myoclonus, such as hiccups or sleep starts, are common and do not lead to serious complications.
In some cases, frequent and widespread myoclonus may indicate an underlying neurological disorder. For example, people with Parkinson's disease may experience sleep myoclonus alongside other symptoms such as urinary and bowel problems, cognitive changes, and difficulty sleeping. Additionally, myoclonus has been linked to Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), a progressive brain disorder that causes cognitive and behavioural changes, involuntary muscle jerks, and loss of coordination.
If you are experiencing frequent and intense episodes of sleep myoclonus, it is essential to consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause and explore appropriate treatment options. They may recommend lifestyle changes, such as reducing caffeine intake, incorporating relaxation techniques, or improving sleep hygiene to reduce the frequency and intensity of these involuntary muscle twitches during sleep.
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Low blood sugar levels can cause tremors or shakes when waking up
Shaking in your sleep, or sleep myoclonus, is usually harmless and can occur randomly in healthy people without leading to serious complications. However, if you experience frequent episodes of shaking in your sleep, it may be an indication of low blood sugar levels or hypoglycemia.
Research has found that up to 71% of older adults with diabetes experience tremors during hypoglycemic events. When blood sugar levels drop, the body releases hormones like adrenaline and noradrenaline, which increase blood sugar levels but can also trigger early symptoms of hypoglycemia such as sweating, palpitations, and tremors. Sweating is usually one of the first signs, with up to 84% of people with diabetes experiencing it during low blood sugar episodes.
If you suspect that your shaking in sleep is related to low blood sugar levels, it is important to consult a doctor. They can help determine if there are any underlying causes and provide guidance on managing blood sugar levels to prevent further episodes.
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Anxiety can cause shaking when waking up, and also increase the frequency of hypnic jerks
Shaking in your sleep can be caused by hypnic jerks, also known as sleep starts. These are involuntary muscle contractions that some people experience as they fall asleep. They are a benign neurological response that can be caused by the brain misinterpreting relaxation as a sign of falling. This misinterpretation prompts a rapid contraction of muscles, resulting in a hypnic jerk. While hypnic jerks are usually harmless, they can be intensified by factors such as overtiredness, caffeine consumption, and high levels of stress and anxiety.
Anxiety can also cause shaking when waking up. When experiencing severe anxiety, individuals may exhibit physical symptoms such as trembling, twitching, or shaking. This is due to the body's stress response, which releases stress hormones into the bloodstream, priming the muscles for action and leading to a trembling sensation. Additionally, sleep deprivation caused by anxiety can further contribute to shaking upon waking.
Furthermore, anxiety and hypnic jerks can influence each other in a cyclical manner. Hypnic jerks can be triggered by anxiety, and the resulting sleep disruption can amplify anxiety symptoms. This cycle can perpetuate itself, leading to a challenging situation.
It is important to note that shaking upon waking may also be caused by other factors or underlying medical conditions. Consulting a healthcare professional is advisable to determine the specific causes and appropriate treatments.
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Certain medications can cause shaking or tremors as side effects
Shaking or twitching during sleep is known as sleep myoclonus, a phenomenon that is usually harmless and occurs in people of all ages. However, in rare cases, shaking during sleep may be caused by certain medications.
Medications that are known to cause shaking or tremors as a side effect include:
- Cancer medicines such as thalidomide and cytarabine
- Seizure medicines such as divalproex sodium (Depakote)
- Asthma medicines such as theophylline and albuterol
- Immune-suppressing medicines such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus
- Antibiotics such as aminoglycosides
- Antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs
- Antipsychotics
- Anticonvulsants
- Anti-rejection drugs
- Levothyroxine (used to treat hypothyroidism)
- Amitriptyline
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as venlafaxine (Effexor)
- Arformoterol (Brovana) inhalers
It is important to note that medication-induced tremors are usually involuntary and can occur in various body parts, including the eyelids, head, arms, hands, and voice. The lower body is less commonly affected, and the shaking is typically fast, with about 4 to 12 movements per second. The tremors can occur episodically, intermittently, or without correlation to medication intake. They may also be influenced by factors such as emotional stress and voluntary movements, which can make them worse.
If you are experiencing tremors or shaking while sleeping and suspect that it may be related to your medication, it is crucial to consult your healthcare provider. Do not stop taking any medication without first seeking medical advice, as there may be alternative treatments or dosage adjustments that can help manage the side effects.
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Frequently asked questions
There could be several reasons for shaking in your sleep. One common reason is hypnic jerks, which are involuntary muscle twitches that occur as a person falls asleep. They are usually nothing to worry about and can be caused by consuming caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol before bed.
If you are experiencing hypnic jerks, you can try reducing your caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol intake, especially later in the day. You can also try practising relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises or guided imagery before bed to help your body and mind calm down.
While hypnic jerks are usually harmless, shaking in your sleep could occasionally be a symptom of an underlying condition such as low blood sugar, anxiety, or a neurological disorder. If you are concerned, it is best to consult your doctor.
Yes, shaking in your sleep can sometimes be a symptom of a sleep disorder or a neurological disorder. If the shaking is disrupting your sleep or affecting your quality of life, it is recommended that you consult a doctor for advice and possible treatment options.
