Have You Noticed Yourself or Others Twitching/Jerking While Sleeping? What Causes This Muscle Twitching?

This involuntary twitching while moving from consciousness to unconsciousness during sleep is normal. Science call this state the hypnogogic state. It is the state between conscious waking state and unconscious sleep state.

More than half of humans experience this twitches but usually, they’re unaware of it. Personally, there are times I’m aware of it but most of the time, I am not.

Furthermore, science call this involuntary twitches while sleeping as myoclonus. Although in the medical world considered it as a diagnosis of a disease, most of the time, it is considered normal for most humans.

In one study¹ scientists find that these twitches are processed as if they’re unexpected. Trace Dominguez of DNews explains more on this.

Next time you feel these involuntary twitches while transitioning into deep and unconscious sleep state, it’s normal.

When Does Involuntary Muscle Twitching Becomes Abnormal?

One of the potential abnormalities of involuntary muscle twitching is a symptom of Parkinson’s disease.

If the twitching becomes so disturbing that it awakens your partner or other people nearby, it could be a symptom of something.

This something may require medical attention for proper diagnosis. As mentioned, it may be an onset of Parkinson’s disease.

Other medical conditions with twitching symptoms include epilepsy and restless legs syndrome.

Medications May Cause Involuntary Muscle Twitches

There are certain medications with side effects causing abnormal and involuntary muscle movements.

Additionally, alcohol or medication withdrawal may also trigger the involuntary muscle twitches.

Final Thoughts

Involuntary muscle twitching while transitioning from conscious waking into unconscious sleep is normal. It should not cause disturbance to someone such as your spouse while sleeping with you.

Moreover, it should not hamper you achieving a good quality sleep nightly. If you or someone around notice something unusual, don’t hesitate to seek medical help.

These abnormalities such as involuntary muscle spasms could be a sign or symptom of something more serious.

As an additional tip, avoiding caffeinated drinks and foods, as well as alcohol prior to sleep can be a helpful and good idea to avoid these involuntary muscle twitches.