Causes

Guess what? There are no known causes for chronic hypnic jerking! We are all mysteries!

Well I take that back, in some cases they are a sign of a greater neurological disorder, but in those cases, you will have additional symptoms of that disorder. For us seemingly healthy people, who have these chronic sleep starts, often well before we are even asleep, there seem to be no proven causes.

For the most part, because hynpic jerks are benign and harmless, and healthy people periodically get them, no one has really made any effort to research chronic cases. In fact, I know some of your doctor's have blown you off and looked at you like you were crazy, as if this wasn't even a problem because they are just so normal and won't hurt you. Anyone who has been through this for an extended period of time knows, it does not feel normal and it can be debilitating. And because it does not affect a large percentage of the population, drug companies are not likely to be concerned with finding a treatment.

Possible Causes According to Doctor's and Professionals:

• Low Iron (my sleep doctor/neurologist tested me for this, and I was fine)
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Depression
• Caffeine
• Strenuous activities in the evening

In addition, here are some theories from those that suffer from this:

• Neck/back/spinal cord injuries, including bulging disks or compressed disks
• Side effect of SSRI/SNRI antidepressants
• Side effect of fluoroquinilones antibiotics (amoxcillin, levaquin, ciproflaxcin, etc.)
• Side effect of or withdrawal from benzodiazepines (Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, Ativan, etc)
• Side effect of other medications/supplements/herbs
• Lyme's Disease
• Autoimmune disorder/inflammation
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Thyroid imbalance
• Menopause/Pre-Menopause
• Low Vitamin D
• Low Magnesium (which can be caused by long term use of Proton Pump Inhibitors used for Acid Reflux or long-term alcohol abuse)
• Other vitamin deficiencies
• High Cortisol (which can come from stress and obesity)
• Long-term alcohol/drug abuse or drug/alcohol withdrawal
• Food or food additives, such as MSG, casein, histamine, oxalates, gluten

To determine what is causing your night twitches, you may want to track your sleep.


DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical professional. This is for informational purposes only. Please consult a licensed physician or medical expert before following any advice or treatment plan. 

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