Basically why does it feel like we are falling when we fall asleep sometimes when in reality we’re not falling(Sorry if my grammar is a bit off)
In: Biology
It’s a form of myoclonic twitch called a hypnic jerk. [read about them here](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myoclonus#Signs_and_symptoms)
This could be 100% false but someone somewhere told me that your body/brain releases hormones or some chemical that paralyzes you while you sleep. It’s supposed to make sure that if you dream about running, you’re not actually kicking your feet (aka sleepwalking).
Your body tries to time that release for right after you fall asleep, but if your body releases those hormones while you’re still awake, it’s perceived as a stressful loss of coordination that makes you jolt back up in a mild state of panic.
At least, that’s what I’ve heard.
They’re called [hypnic jerks](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324666.php#causes) and they generally have no underlying cause or reason, but there are some factors that might trigger it.
**Please read this entire message**
—
Your submission has been removed for the following reason(s):
* ELI5 requires that you *search the ELI5 subreddit for your topic before posting*.
There are no exceptions to this rule.
Users will often either find a thread that meets their needs or find that their question might qualify for an exception to rule 7.
Please see this [wiki entry](http://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/wiki/how_to_search) for more details (Rule 7).
—
If you would like this removal reviewed, please read the [detailed rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/wiki/detailed_rules) first. If you still feel the removal should be reviewed, please [message the moderators.](http://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2Fexplainlikeimfive&subject=Can%20you%20review%20my%20thread?)
Latest Answers