A hypnagogic jerk (also called a hypnic jerk) is an involuntary muscle spasm that occurs as a person falls asleep. Individuals may experience a falling sensation (or even dream of falling), causing them to jerk and awake. Some individuals may only experience a small twitching, that’s only noticeable to a spouse or caretaker, and not [...]
Most people have noticed that they tend to wake up at the same time every night. Despite their efforts to make small changes in their sleep routine, such as going to bed later or earlier, the pattern persists. It’s important to realize that waking up at the same time every night is harmless and has [...]
Sleep inertia refers to a period of impairment after waking, marked by intense grogginess. If you regularly awaken from sleep, only to have the unshakable urge to fall back asleep, it’s entirely possible you could be suffering from sleep inertia. This can pose an inconvenience to some and even danger to others—particularly for workers who [...]
To understand circadian rhythm sleep disorders, it is essential first to understand circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm is the body’s natural “clock” that occurs over a 24-hour period. In addition to other bodily functions, it dictates the body’s natural inclination for sleepiness as well as wakefulness. Most individuals are naturally most sleepy around 11 p.m., [...]
For those dealing with irregular or abnormal sleep, it’s important to reveal the presence of a sleep disorder so that effective treatment may be given. Fortunately, many useful methods for sleep disorder diagnosis exist, and below we’ll outline some available options. Overnight Oximetry This simple method of sleep disorder diagnosis requires a clothespin-shaped probe to [...]
What Is Narcolepsy? Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that is characterized by excessive sleepiness, sleep attacks, sleep paralysis, hallucinations, and even sudden loss of muscle control also called cataplexy. It is uncommon, only affecting one in 2,000 to 3,000 people. Narcolepsy is typically diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 15 and 25 but can go undiagnosed [...]
While we all love the feeling of evening sleepiness that leads to experiencing a great night’s sleep, having excessive feelings of sleepiness during the day can be problematic if not addressed and treated. Excessive daytime sleepiness may be a significant detriment to both your health and safety. Excessive daytime sleepiness can lead to psychological and [...]
We’ve all experienced it: you go out for a nice lunch with plenty of energy, only to return to work constantly yawning and fighting the urge to rest your head on your desk. Afternoon sleepiness is very common, and you may wonder, “Is my food what causes me to get so sleepy?” While a full [...]
The change in the seasons can mean a drastic change in your sleep pattern. Millions of Americans wake up bright eyed and full of energy during the summer months but, can barely crawl out of bed by the middle of winter. Why is that? It is because the circadian rhythm that regulates your body’s inner [...]
Snoring is the harsh sound that comes when air flows through the tissues of one's throat, causing the tissues to vibrate and make noise. Snoring itself is usually harmless, and nearly everyone does it every once in a while. However, snoring can also be an indication of a number of serious health conditions. Whether this [...]
