What Causes a Sudden Jerk During Sleep?
Disease description:
For several consecutive days, I’ve noticed a sudden jerk while falling asleep. What causes this sudden jerk during sleep?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhong Mengfei
A sudden jerk during sleep—often referred to as a physiological myoclonus—is usually normal and may be associated with factors such as excessive sleep deprivation, fatigue, or poor sleep quality; symptoms typically improve gradually once sleep quality is enhanced. However, this phenomenon may also result from electrolyte imbalances, hypoglycemia, or cerebral hypoxia or ischemia. If such jerks occur frequently, prompt medical evaluation at a hospital is recommended to identify the underlying cause.
