DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical professional. This is for informational purposes only. I cannot guarantee that any of these will work or be safe for you. Remember many medications, treatments, and lifestyle changes can interact with each person in a different way and also with those medications and supplements that you are currently taking. Please consult a licensed physician or medical expert before following any advice or treatment plan.
OVER-THE-COUNTER (OTC) MEDICATION
While easy to obtain, and some may generally be more "natural," these supplements are not regulated like prescription medications, and they may interact with medications you already take. They can have side effects just as serious a prescription drugs. Also watch out for additional herbs, vitamins, or medicine that may be added to a supplement you purchase.
Calcium
Personally, I've been taking 1200mg calcium for years, so clearly that is not helping to keep the jerks away! But I read someone said to take it near bedtime with Vitamin D, Magnesium, and Melatonin.
Shop for Calcium supplements
diphenhydramine (OTC Sleep Aids)
This comes in many brands and is actually an anti-histamine. I've really seen no one who has been helped by these who has hypnic jerks. Personally, both my primary care doctor and my sleep doctor/neurologist asked if I tried this first. The first night that started my daily struggle with this was when I took these. I won't take them ever again.
Shop for Diphenhydramine sleep aids
Some people seem to have success with simply this, but not many. It's worth giving it a try. Personally, my sleep doctor suggested it, but it has not worked for me. WebMD advises that it is unsafe to for adults to take a supplement of more than 350 mg per day. Another person was told that Magnesium supplements increase blood serum levels of magnesium without penetrating the blood brain barrier, and you really need Magnesium L-Threonate. See this article.
Shop for Magnesium supplements
Shop for Magnesium L-Threonate supplements
Melatonin
I have seen varying amounts suggested from 1mg all the way up to 15mg. Dr. Oz says no more than 1mg and not every night. There are varying opinions on how and if you should take it with blood pressure medications. The bottle says not to take it if you have high blood pressure. The theory is that it can make it go too low during sleep. However, there have been studies done with blood pressure medication and Melatonin (because beta blockers cause sleep disturbances) with positive results. Personally, my sleep doctor told me that my beta blocker (high blood pressure medication) can reduce the effectiveness of the Melatonin.
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L-Theanine
L-Theanine or Theanine is an amino acid found in green tea. It has been known to be used for treating anxiety and high blood pressure, for preventing Alzheimer’s disease, and for making cancer drugs more effective. It is sometimes combined with Melatonin as a natural sleeping supplement. However, you might be better off drinking decaffeinated green tea than taking a supplement. Learn more about Theanine on Wikipedia, on WebMD, and from the Cleveland Clinic.
Shop for L-Theanine suppliments
Passionflower
Passionflower is a plant, in which the above ground parts are used to make medicine. It is used for sleep problems (insomnia), gastrointestinal (GI) upset related to anxiety or nervousness, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and relieving symptoms related to narcotic drug withdrawal. It has also been used for seizures, hysteria, asthma, symptoms of menopause, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), nervousness and excitability, palpitations, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, fibromyalgia, and pain relief, according to WebMD. This was suggested, but no one has posted anything about taking it and being successful.
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Skullcap
Skullcap is a plant, in which the above ground parts are used to make medicine. People use this trouble sleeping (insomnia), anxiety, stroke, and paralysis caused by stroke, fever, high cholesterol, “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis), rabies, epilepsy, nervous tension, allergies, skin infections, inflammation, and spasms. However, there isn’t enough scientific evidence to determine whether or not it is effective for any of them, according to WebMD. This was suggested, but no one has posted anything about taking it and being successful.
Shop for Skullcap supplements
Taurine
This is an amino sulfonic acid, but it is often referred to as an amino acid, a chemical that is a required building block of protein. Taurine is found in large amounts in the brain, retina, heart, and blood cells called platelets. The best food sources are meat and fish. Some people take this for congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, liver disease (hepatitis), high cholesterol, and cystic fibrosis, seizure disorders (epilepsy), autism, ADHD, eye problems, diabetes, and alcoholism, according to WebMD. One person said up to 10 grams of taurine powder helped.
Shop for Taurine supplements
Valerian Root
This herb is most commonly used for sleep disorders, especially insomnia. It is also said to be used for conditions connected to anxiety and psychological stress, including nervous asthma, hysterical states, excitability, hypochondria, headaches, migraine, and stomach upset.
Shop for Valerian Root supplements
Vitamin C (specifically Ester-C)
Ester C is a pH neutral product which has a different composition from regular vitamin C, which is ascorbic acid. Learn more about the difference between Ester C and Vitamin C on LiveStrong.com. Some people have seen improvement by taking Ester-C and Iron together.
Shop for Ester-C supplements
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
Skullcap
Skullcap is a plant, in which the above ground parts are used to make medicine. People use this trouble sleeping (insomnia), anxiety, stroke, and paralysis caused by stroke, fever, high cholesterol, “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis), rabies, epilepsy, nervous tension, allergies, skin infections, inflammation, and spasms. However, there isn’t enough scientific evidence to determine whether or not it is effective for any of them, according to WebMD. This was suggested, but no one has posted anything about taking it and being successful.
Shop for Skullcap supplements
Taurine
This is an amino sulfonic acid, but it is often referred to as an amino acid, a chemical that is a required building block of protein. Taurine is found in large amounts in the brain, retina, heart, and blood cells called platelets. The best food sources are meat and fish. Some people take this for congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, liver disease (hepatitis), high cholesterol, and cystic fibrosis, seizure disorders (epilepsy), autism, ADHD, eye problems, diabetes, and alcoholism, according to WebMD. One person said up to 10 grams of taurine powder helped.
Shop for Taurine supplements
Valerian Root
This herb is most commonly used for sleep disorders, especially insomnia. It is also said to be used for conditions connected to anxiety and psychological stress, including nervous asthma, hysterical states, excitability, hypochondria, headaches, migraine, and stomach upset.
Shop for Valerian Root supplements
Vitamin C (specifically Ester-C)
Ester C is a pH neutral product which has a different composition from regular vitamin C, which is ascorbic acid. Learn more about the difference between Ester C and Vitamin C on LiveStrong.com. Some people have seen improvement by taking Ester-C and Iron together.
Shop for Ester-C supplements
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
It is a chemical by-product of the protein building block L-tryptophan. The commercial form, from the seeds of an African plant, is used for sleep disorders such as insomnia, depression, anxiety, migraine and tension-type headaches, fibromyalgia, obesity, PMS, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), ADHD, seizure disorder, and Parkinson's disease. It works in the brain and central nervous system by increasing the production of the chemical serotonin. While some people said this helped, I think there were more people who believed it caused hypnic jerks.
Shop for 5-HTP supplements
Shop for 5-HTP supplements
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION
These are medication people have been prescribed, but may not necessarily have worked. I know, most people don't want to take prescription drugs, but this may be the answer to your suffering. Watch for side effects and interactions with other medications you may take, as well as food and alcohol. Your doctor may prescribe more than one as well. These are listed alphabetically and by generic name.
alprazolam (Xanax, Niravam, Xanor)
This is a benzodiazepine, which is a controlled substance. It is commonly used to treat panic disorder and anxiety. It can be addictive and is often abused. Clonazapam is usually the first choice among benzodiazepines by doctors for hypnic jerks. (See additional information under clonazapam about benzodiazepines.)
amitriptyline (Elavil)
This is an older antidepressant that is sometimes used to treat nerve pain and sleep problems. It is a tricyclic antidepressant.
carbidopa/levodopa (Sinemet, Parcopa)
This is a combination drug used to treat Parkinson's Disease.
clonazapam (Klonopin)
This is a benzodiazepine, which is a controlled substance. It is commonly used to treat seizures, panic disorder, and anxiety. The most common doses I've seen are 0.5mg to 3mg. Often this is the first line of treatment for hypnic jerks. It is addictive and often abused. In some people, it makes the condition worse. If you use it regularly, and decide to go off of a benzodiazepine, you should taper down. Quitting cold turkey could actually cause hypnic jerks, as well as other withdrawal effects. Some people get the jerks from it, and some people have no problem quitting cold turkey after years. It's trial and error, folks. Personally, before I had chronic jerking, I had a prescription for occasional anxiety attacks and insomnia. I typically used 30 pills in 3 months. My sleep doctor/neurologist told me it is often prescribed for hypnic jerks, but because of its addictive qualities, she prefers other solutions. But currently, this is part of my treatment plan. For a while I only took it when I needed it, but they have gotten worse, so it has been daily. I sometimes still get them regardless.
clonidine (Catapres, Duraclon, Kapvay)
This is used to treat high blood pressure (Catapres), and certain formulations can also treat ADHD (Kapvay) and cancer pain. It seems to be less well known for managing sleep myoclonus, but for some controls these movements well. It can cause lower-leg/ankle swelling due to sodium retention.
cyclobenzaprine (Amrix, Fexmid)
This is a muscle relaxant to treat pain and stiffness caused by muscle spasms.
diazepam (Valium, Diastat)
This is a benzodiazepine, which also makes it a controlled substance and can be addictive and is often abused. It is typically used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures. Clonazapam is usually the first choice among benzodiazepines by doctors for hypnic jerks. (See additional information under clonazapam about benzodiazepines.)
eszopiclone (Lunesta)
This is a sedative to treat insomnia. I have not seen anyone with great results from this. Personally, I think I took it years ago for just plain insomnia (without jerks) and it made me really groggy the next day.
gabapentin (Neurontin)
This is a nerve pain medication and anticonvulsant used to treat seizures and pain caused by shingles. It is a GABA analogue class drug. I have read mixed results about it. Some say it worked like a dream, some say it did nothing, and some think it might have made it worse. The dose depends on how you respond. It is also used off-brand for anxiety/mood disorders, alcohol withdrawal, and some even say it decreases their desire for alcohol. Personally, my sleep doctor/neurologist has suggested this as the next step if the Klonopin does not work. She also said it was a pretty safe drug with little side effects.
flurazepam (Dalmane, Dalmadorm)
This is a benzodiazepine, which also makes it a controlled substance and can be addictive and is often abused. It is typically used to treat insomnia. Clonazapam is usually the first choice among benzodiazepines by doctors for hypnic jerks. (See additional information under clonazapam about benzodiazepines.)
These are medication people have been prescribed, but may not necessarily have worked. I know, most people don't want to take prescription drugs, but this may be the answer to your suffering. Watch for side effects and interactions with other medications you may take, as well as food and alcohol. Your doctor may prescribe more than one as well. These are listed alphabetically and by generic name.
alprazolam (Xanax, Niravam, Xanor)
This is a benzodiazepine, which is a controlled substance. It is commonly used to treat panic disorder and anxiety. It can be addictive and is often abused. Clonazapam is usually the first choice among benzodiazepines by doctors for hypnic jerks. (See additional information under clonazapam about benzodiazepines.)
amitriptyline (Elavil)
This is an older antidepressant that is sometimes used to treat nerve pain and sleep problems. It is a tricyclic antidepressant.
carbidopa/levodopa (Sinemet, Parcopa)
This is a combination drug used to treat Parkinson's Disease.
clonazapam (Klonopin)
This is a benzodiazepine, which is a controlled substance. It is commonly used to treat seizures, panic disorder, and anxiety. The most common doses I've seen are 0.5mg to 3mg. Often this is the first line of treatment for hypnic jerks. It is addictive and often abused. In some people, it makes the condition worse. If you use it regularly, and decide to go off of a benzodiazepine, you should taper down. Quitting cold turkey could actually cause hypnic jerks, as well as other withdrawal effects. Some people get the jerks from it, and some people have no problem quitting cold turkey after years. It's trial and error, folks. Personally, before I had chronic jerking, I had a prescription for occasional anxiety attacks and insomnia. I typically used 30 pills in 3 months. My sleep doctor/neurologist told me it is often prescribed for hypnic jerks, but because of its addictive qualities, she prefers other solutions. But currently, this is part of my treatment plan. For a while I only took it when I needed it, but they have gotten worse, so it has been daily. I sometimes still get them regardless.
clonidine (Catapres, Duraclon, Kapvay)
This is used to treat high blood pressure (Catapres), and certain formulations can also treat ADHD (Kapvay) and cancer pain. It seems to be less well known for managing sleep myoclonus, but for some controls these movements well. It can cause lower-leg/ankle swelling due to sodium retention.
cyclobenzaprine (Amrix, Fexmid)
This is a muscle relaxant to treat pain and stiffness caused by muscle spasms.
diazepam (Valium, Diastat)
This is a benzodiazepine, which also makes it a controlled substance and can be addictive and is often abused. It is typically used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures. Clonazapam is usually the first choice among benzodiazepines by doctors for hypnic jerks. (See additional information under clonazapam about benzodiazepines.)
eszopiclone (Lunesta)
This is a sedative to treat insomnia. I have not seen anyone with great results from this. Personally, I think I took it years ago for just plain insomnia (without jerks) and it made me really groggy the next day.
gabapentin (Neurontin)
This is a nerve pain medication and anticonvulsant used to treat seizures and pain caused by shingles. It is a GABA analogue class drug. I have read mixed results about it. Some say it worked like a dream, some say it did nothing, and some think it might have made it worse. The dose depends on how you respond. It is also used off-brand for anxiety/mood disorders, alcohol withdrawal, and some even say it decreases their desire for alcohol. Personally, my sleep doctor/neurologist has suggested this as the next step if the Klonopin does not work. She also said it was a pretty safe drug with little side effects.
flurazepam (Dalmane, Dalmadorm)
This is a benzodiazepine, which also makes it a controlled substance and can be addictive and is often abused. It is typically used to treat insomnia. Clonazapam is usually the first choice among benzodiazepines by doctors for hypnic jerks. (See additional information under clonazapam about benzodiazepines.)
levetiracetam (Keppra, Elepsia)
It is used to treat epilepsy, for partial onset, myoclonic, or tonic-clonic seizures. It is not a controlled substance. It apparently requires high doses. and doesn’t seem to suppress it for some people, but it is supposed to have low side effects.
lorazepam (Ativan)
This is a benzodiazepine, which is a controlled substance. It is commonly used to treat seizure disorders, such as epilepsy, and anxiety due to surgery. It can be addictive and is often abused. Clonazapam is usually the first choice among benzodiazepines by doctors for hypnic jerks. (See additional information under clonazapam about benzodiazepines.) Personally, I have been prescribed this medication many years ago for severe vertigo. I had to take it all day long, and let me tell you, I was like a zombie!
nortriptyline (Pamelor)
It is a tricyclic antidepressant used to treat depression. It is also sometimes used for peripheral neuropathy.
pramipexole (Mirapex)
It treats Parkinson's disease and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). It is a dopamine agonist.
prazosin (Minipress)
It is an alpha-blocker used to treat high blood pressure and has also been known to help Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
pregabalin (Lyrica)
It is a nerve pain medication that can treat nerve and muscle pain, including fibromyalgia, as well as seizures. It is a GABA analogue class drug. It was developed as a successor to gabapentin, but I think it has been used more for Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS).
primidone (Mysoline)It is used to treat epilepsy, for partial onset, myoclonic, or tonic-clonic seizures. It is not a controlled substance. It apparently requires high doses. and doesn’t seem to suppress it for some people, but it is supposed to have low side effects.
lorazepam (Ativan)
This is a benzodiazepine, which is a controlled substance. It is commonly used to treat seizure disorders, such as epilepsy, and anxiety due to surgery. It can be addictive and is often abused. Clonazapam is usually the first choice among benzodiazepines by doctors for hypnic jerks. (See additional information under clonazapam about benzodiazepines.) Personally, I have been prescribed this medication many years ago for severe vertigo. I had to take it all day long, and let me tell you, I was like a zombie!
nortriptyline (Pamelor)
It is a tricyclic antidepressant used to treat depression. It is also sometimes used for peripheral neuropathy.
pramipexole (Mirapex)
It treats Parkinson's disease and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). It is a dopamine agonist.
prazosin (Minipress)
It is an alpha-blocker used to treat high blood pressure and has also been known to help Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
pregabalin (Lyrica)
It is a nerve pain medication that can treat nerve and muscle pain, including fibromyalgia, as well as seizures. It is a GABA analogue class drug. It was developed as a successor to gabapentin, but I think it has been used more for Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS).
This is an anti-convulsant that is used to treat seizure disorders. It is a barbiturate class drug.
ropinirole (Requip)
It treats Parkinson's disease and restless legs syndrome (RLS). It is a dopamine agonist.
temazepam (Restoril)
This is a benzodiazepine, which is a controlled substance. It is commonly used to insomnia. It can be addictive and is often abused. Clonazapam is usually the first choice among benzodiazepines by doctors for hypnic jerks. (See additional information under clonazapam about benzodiazepines.)
suvorexant (Belsomra)
A newer medication on the market that helps regulate your sleep and wake cycle.
topiramate (Topamax)
A nerve pain medication and anticonvulsant to treat and prevent seizures, and it can also prevent migraine headaches.
trazodone (Oleptro, Desyrel, Desyrel Dividose)
This is an antidepressant medication approved in the 80's that is now commonly used for insomnia. It is not a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), tricyclic, or MAO inhibitor. Personally, my sleep doctor/neurologist asked if I had ever tried it. I did years ago just for normal insomnia (without jerks), but did not like how groggy I was the next day, so I did not try it again.
topiramate (Topamax)
A nerve pain medication and anticonvulsant to treat and prevent seizures, and it can also prevent migraine headaches.
trazodone (Oleptro, Desyrel, Desyrel Dividose)
This is an antidepressant medication approved in the 80's that is now commonly used for insomnia. It is not a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), tricyclic, or MAO inhibitor. Personally, my sleep doctor/neurologist asked if I had ever tried it. I did years ago just for normal insomnia (without jerks), but did not like how groggy I was the next day, so I did not try it again.
valproic acid (Depakote)
This is an anti-convulsant that is used to treat seizures, bipolar disorder, and my help prevent migraine headaches.
This is an anti-convulsant that is used to treat seizures, bipolar disorder, and my help prevent migraine headaches.
zepidmen (Ambien)
It is a non-benzodiazapine sedative used to treat insomnia. It is considered addictive. My insurance will only pay for 15 pills in 30 days. Personally, I was prescribed this by my primary care doctor, who thought I was just over-tired, and if I got enough sleep for a few weeks, it would resolve. She would rather me take Ambien than Klonopin. However, with my sleep apnea, I was scared to take it, and that's when I went to the sleep doctor. My sleep doctor/neurologist would rather me take Klonopin, saying that once you start getting good sleep on Ambien, then you never want to go off it. I have since taken a half-dose with Klonopin in desperation one night and finally fell asleep. I then took a full dose alone, and I stayed up reading for over an hour, so clearly they don't knock me out, and I still jerked when I made myself turn off the light, but eventually fell a sleep, then woke up, and couldn't go back to sleep because I kept gasping for air like my breathing was too shallow. I doubt I will ever use it again. But it works for some people I guess!
zonisamide (Zonegran)
It is an anticonvulsant to treat partial seizures in adults with epilepsy.
zopiclone (Zimovane and Imovane, not available in the U.S.)
This is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic agent used in the treatment of insomnia.
It is a non-benzodiazapine sedative used to treat insomnia. It is considered addictive. My insurance will only pay for 15 pills in 30 days. Personally, I was prescribed this by my primary care doctor, who thought I was just over-tired, and if I got enough sleep for a few weeks, it would resolve. She would rather me take Ambien than Klonopin. However, with my sleep apnea, I was scared to take it, and that's when I went to the sleep doctor. My sleep doctor/neurologist would rather me take Klonopin, saying that once you start getting good sleep on Ambien, then you never want to go off it. I have since taken a half-dose with Klonopin in desperation one night and finally fell asleep. I then took a full dose alone, and I stayed up reading for over an hour, so clearly they don't knock me out, and I still jerked when I made myself turn off the light, but eventually fell a sleep, then woke up, and couldn't go back to sleep because I kept gasping for air like my breathing was too shallow. I doubt I will ever use it again. But it works for some people I guess!
zonisamide (Zonegran)
It is an anticonvulsant to treat partial seizures in adults with epilepsy.
zopiclone (Zimovane and Imovane, not available in the U.S.)
This is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic agent used in the treatment of insomnia.
DEVICES
Supposedly, it relieves symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia using low-level electrical current to stimulate a certain part of your brain. You have to get a doctor's prescription to get it in the U.S. Visit the Alpha-Stim website for more information and you can submit your doctor's information if you are interested and want them to reach out to your doctor send them product information and clinical research data.
Fisher Wallace Stimulator
Designed collaboratively by world-class engineers and doctors, the Fisher Wallace Stimulator® uses proprietary waveforms to gently stimulate the brain to produce serotonin and other neurochemicals responsible for healthy mood and sleep. Proven safe and effective in multiple published studies, the device is cleared by the FDA to treat depression, anxiety and insomnia.
Shop for the Fisher Wallace Stimulator
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
These units are predominately used for nerve related pain conditions (acute and chronic conditions) and are supposed to work by sending stimulating pulses across the surface of the skin and along the nerve strands. The stimulating pulses help prevent pain signals from reaching the brain. It also helps stimulate your body to produce higher levels endorphins.
Shop for TENS Units
LIFESTYLE/ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
Acceptance
Accepting that this condition may be a permanent part of your life may help you cope. This is related to mindfulness (also in this list). See this article: Living with chronic illness: the power of acceptance. Also see the Resources page for books that may help.
Acupuncture
Acupuncturist is a part of traditional Chinese medicine in which tiny needles are placed in certain parts of the body to treat a myriad of illnesses. Learn more about Acupuncture on Wikipedia. Learn more about Traditional Chinese Medicine from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Chinese Herbs
Chinese herb therapy is a part of traditional Chinese medicine. Learn more about Chinese Herbs from the University of Minnesota. Learn more about Traditional Chinese Medicine from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Craniosacral Therapy (CST)
A form of bodywork or alternative therapy using gentle touch to manipulate the synarthrodial joints of the cranium. Learn more about Craniosacral Therapy on Wikipedia.
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) (a.k.a. Tapping)
EFT is a form of therapy that draws on various theories of alternative medicine including acupuncture, neuro-linguistic programming, energy medicine, and Thought Field Therapy (TFT). Learn more about Emotional Freedom Techniques on Wikipedia. You may also explore books on EFT, or visit TheTappingSolution.com for more information.
Exercise
It seems like light exercise during daytime hours is recommended. Some say not to exercise at all, but I think that is a poor decision health-wise. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults do at a minimum 50 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity throughout the week and muscle-strengthening activities involving major muscle groups on 2 or more days a week. For sleeping purposes, try not to exercise late at night. You may have to moderate to lighter exercise, such as walking.
Gluten-Free Diet
Stop eating gluten, proteins present in wheat and all wheat varieties (such as spelt and kamut), barley, rye, oat, and derivatives of these grains such as malt and triticale, and foods that may include them or shared transportation or processing facilities with them. I have had many friends go on a gluten free diet claiming to cure a myriad of issues, problems, and ailments. Many have even lost weight. If they feel better, then by all means, do it, but there seems to be very little scientific evidence that it is good for anything other than people with Celiac Disease or an actual gluten sensitivity, which is a low percentage of the population. I don't think it will hurt you, so it may be worth a try. Learn more about a Gluten-Free Diet on Wikipedia. You may also want to explore books about a Gluten-Free Diet.
Ketogenic Diet
This is a high-fat, adequate-protein, low-carbohydrate diet that is used primarily to treat difficult-to-control epilepsy in children. I have seen many people swear by this for weight loss as well. Learn more about a Ketogenic Diet on Wikipedia. You may also want to explore books about a Ketogenic Diet.
Limit Sex/Increase Sex
I think only one person has suggested limiting sex, but others said have more sex! It may be worth experimenting with if you have a partner.
Magnetic Therapy
Magnets are placed on certain body parts and are supposed to affect blood flow and inflammation. Using magnetic pillows, magnetic mattress pads, and/or drinking magnetized water is supposed to help with insomnia. Learn more about magnets and insomnia from the Magnetic Therapy Council. Learn more about Magnetic Therapy on Wikipedia. Other resources: Mercola, Foundation for Alternative and Integrative Medicine, Dr. Oz, and the University of California - Berkeley Wellness.
Shop for Magnetic Pillows and Inserts
Shop for Magnetic Mattress Pads
Meditation has been shown to help a number of ailments. It can't hurt to try it! Learn more about Meditation on Wikipedia. You may also want to explore books about Meditation.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the act of being fully present, living in the moment, and not being overly reactive or overwhelmed. Meditation is actually a part of Mindfulness. Getting Started with mindfulness is a good start. Learn more about Mindfulness on Wikipedia. You may also want to explore books about Mindfulness.
Myofascial Release
A hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure into the Myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. Learn more about Myofascial Release on Wikipedia.
No Alcohol
Some, such as myself, say alcohol -- more than one or two drinks -- is one of the main things that keeps the jerks from happening, but in the long run it might be what is causing it or making it worse. Alcohol itself can cause jerks, and alcohol withdrawal can cause jerks. Using alcohol to cope with this or anything else is not the answer. Personally, I am cutting out alcohol completely for a while to see what happens.
Some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others, and doctor's think it causes hypnic jerks. I personally have not had caffeine in a while, and when I did one day, I was so jittery and was in almost panic attach mode by the end of the day. While it may not be giving you the jerks directly, it may still be messing with your sleep.
Paleo Diet
This is based mainly on foods presumed to have been available to Paleolithic humans, typically including vegetables, fruits, nuts, roots, and meat, while excluding foods such as dairy, grains, sugar, legumes, processed oils, salt, and alcohol or coffee. There is a lot of variation as to what is off limits. Learn more about the Paleo Diet on Wikipedia. You may also want to explore books about the Paleo Diet.
Reiki
Reiki is a healing technique based on the principle that the therapist can channel energy into the patient by means of touch, to activate the natural healing processes of the patient's body and restore physical and emotional well-being. Learn about Reiki on Wikipedia. You may also want to explore books about Reiki.
Sleep Therapy
There are actually therapists who specialize in sleep, or you may want to address your anxiety and worry. You can find therapists local to you on Psychology Today, individuals who have earned certification in behavioral sleep medicine by the American Board of Sleep Medicine, or providers who are member of the the Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine in the US, and in Canada, Europe, Oceania, and Asia. There is also online therapy available at TalkSpace.
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