Terrifying reason you sometimes feels like you're falling right before you sleep

One minute you're dozing off, the next, you've fallen off a cliff - or that's what it feels like at least.

Most of us have experienced that feeling of a sudden jolt while falling asleep.

One minute you're snuggling down in your duvet, only to be abruptly woken up just moments later, having felt as though you're falling through the sky.

It can be pretty scary until you realise that it's just one of *those* twitches that happen shortly before nodding off.

But have you ever wondered what those jerks actually are? And why they happen?

What are these jerks that make us feel like we're falling when we sleep?

Turns out, they're totally normal and happen a lot. They're known as 'hypnic jerks' or 'hypnagogic jerks' and they happen when you're falling asleep or shortly before REM sleep.

It can also happen in between different sleep states throughout the night.

According to Medical News Today, they're a type of 'sleep myoclonus', which is 'a scientific name for jerking movements the body makes during sleep or while falling asleep'.

"It tends to occur in stages one or two of sleep and disappear in stage three, which refers to rapid eye movement sleep. In other words, they occur when a person transitions from a wakeful state to a sleeping state," it adds.

Have you experienced a jolt while nodding off? (Getty Stock Photo)

What actually happens?

Although it feels like you're falling, the jerk is actually one of your muscles moving at a quick speed.

You may experience one or multiple at a time and it's common to experience a dream or nightmare at the same time you feel the hypnic jerk.

Some people find that the jolt is actually part of a dream. This occurs when something external becomes a part of our dreams, known as dream incorporation.

For example, when your phone is ringing or an alarm going off is built into your dream - or nightmare.

What causes this to happen?

Fear not, because hypnic jerks are 'common' so you're not the only one experiencing them and they aren't dangerous, either.

Unsurprisingly, one factor that can cause your body to experience hypnic jerks is having too much caffeine, so pop down that fizzy drink - oh and the vapes or cigarettes too.

Too much exercise late at night can also be a factor, which leads to more twitching because it makes you more alert - use this as a good excuse for another rest day.

General stress as well as diagnosed anxiety disorders result in your cortisol levels being higher, which can make it difficult to get to sleep or cause interruptions to your sleep.

And if you're not getting enough sleep in general - either because you're up late doom scrolling or have a condition such as insomnia - this can also increase the likelihood of you experiencing hypnic jerks.

Overall, they're typically more prevalent in adults opposed to children.

It's completely normal and shouldn't be a cause for concern (Getty Stock Photo)

How to prevent your limbs jerking as you sleep?

If you aren't a fan of your limbs jerking about mid-snooze, then there are steps you can take to try and prevent them.

First, is avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol before bed and try to reduce your overall intake of all of the above if you really want to nip the jolts in the bud.

You should also try to exercise earlier in the day if possible so you don't get too energised and alert before you're meant to be winding down for the night.

Try to regulate your bedtime hours too so you're going to bed and waking up at roughly the same time each day.

The temperature of your room is also pretty key as well - Sleep Foundation recommending trying to make it 65 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. And a dark and quiet room is best too to make sure your sleep is as least interrupted as possible.

Finally, you've definitely heard this one before, but get off your screens at least an hour before bed, your eyes and brain will thank you.

One minute you're falling asleep the next it feels as though you're falling off a cliff (Getty Stock Photo)

Is there a need for treatment?

You should only seek treatment if the jerks are interfering with your life or affecting your sleep. If that's the case, you should consult with your doctor.