Does Hypnic Jerk Affect Men More? Expert Weighs In

Have you ever had your body jerk suddenly right when you're drifting to sleep? That sudden sensation is called a hypnagogic state or hypnic jerk. It is an involuntary twitch of the muscles that can feel like a jump. A lot of folks get hypnic jerks, but some ask if men get them more often than women. 

While hypnic jerks are getting more common in modern lifestyle due to increased stress and anxiety, it remains a mystery what causes them. According to a National Library of Health Study, hypnic jerks, a physiological phenomenon, are experienced by up to 70% of the adult population sometime in their lives. To uncover the truth, we talked to Dr Preeti Sharma, Consultant, Psychiatry, Apollo Hospitals Lucknow, to know what hypnic jerks are, why they occur, and whether men get them more frequently.

What Are Hypnic Jerks?

Hypnic jerks, also known as hypnagogic state, are sudden muscle twitches that happen as you’re drifting off to sleep. They can affect your whole body or just one part, and are often linked with a feeling of falling or a brief dream. These jerks are completely normal and happen to most people at some point.

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Are Men More Prone to Hypnic Jerks?

Research indicates that while anyone can experience hypnic jerks, men may be more prone to them.  One explanation could be that men tend to have more muscle mass, hence the twitch of the muscle is more pronounced. Stress and anxiety, which are occasionally more prevalent in men, can also predispose to hypnic jerks. Hormones such as testosterone could be involved, too, since they influence twitching and muscle activity.

According to Dr Sharma, “There’s no clear evidence that hypnic jerks affect men more than women. They can happen to anyone, regardless of gender. What makes them more frequent is not gender, but lifestyle factors/triggers such as stress, caffeine intake, physical exhaustion, and irregular sleep patterns."

What Causes Hypnic Jerks?

According to Dr Sharma, hypnic jerks are generally caused by:

• Stress or Anxiety: Due to a hectic lifestyle, stress and anxiety are common side effects that are the biggest contributors to hypnic jerks.
• Caffeine or other stimulants: A high caffeine content can lead to jitters and high energy that can disrupt the regular sleeping pattern, leading to hyperactivity and hypnic jerks.
• Fatigue or Sleep Deprivation: Just like caffeine, fatigue can also contribute to causing no sleep or restlessness. It is important to rest between constant work to keep the balance.
• Exercising Near Bedtime: Exercise elevates the heart rate, and performing it just before bedtime can disrupt the sleep cycle. As you exercise, the brain is in work mode, which makes it harder to fall asleep.

Dr Sharma explains, “When you’re very tired, your brain sometimes struggles to switch off smoothly. This can cause your muscles to suddenly contract, leading to a hypnic jerk. It’s the body’s way of reacting to the transition from being awake to falling asleep.”

ALSO READ: Do You Experience Sudden Jerks During Sleep? Expert Explains Its Causes And Management Measures

What Does Science Say?

According to the Consciousness and Cognition study for men, 23.1 % reported experiencing hypnagogic states regularly, while 26.9 % women reported experiencing hypnagogic states regularly. Some studies, though, on sites like Psychreg, claim men might be more susceptible to the occurrence of these jerks due to muscle mass and stress levels.

A further study of hypnagogic states, including hypnic jerks, determined that these phenomena are prevalent in both male and female subjects, although women reported seeing and feeling sensations more than men. That indicates that both men and women experience hypnic jerks, but how they feel or sense them may be different.

How to Manage Hypnic Jerks

Hypnic jerks are usually harmless and require no treatment. However, when they occur frequently or interfere with your sleep, you may try to follow these suggestions:

• Minimise caffeine and avoid it in the evening.
• Cope with stress via relaxation, meditation, or mild exercise.
• Go to bed and wake up on a regular schedule.
• Steer clear of strenuous exercise near bedtime.
• Develop a soothing bedtime ritual.

Dr Sharma recommends, "If hypnic jerks are recurring or affecting your sleep, consult a doctor. Occasionally, they can be associated with other sleep issues such as restless leg syndrome or sleep apnea."

ALSO READ: Hypnic Jerk: Causes behind Twitch Sensation While Falling Asleep

Conclusion: Harmless Hypnic Jerk

Hypnic jerks are common and usually nothing to worry about. While men may experience them more often due to muscle mass and stress, women can have them too. Good sleep habits, less caffeine, and stress management can help reduce these nighttime twitches. If you’re concerned, it’s always best to speak with a doctor.