Why you feel like you are falling as you fall asleep

That heart-stopping sensation of falling just as you drift off is a shared human experience known as a hypnic jerk.

Dr Sudhir Kumar, a neurologist at Apollo Hospitals, recently took to X to demystify these "sleep starts." He reassured followers: “It is called a Hypnic Jerk (also known as a sleep start). And no, it usually does not mean something is wrong with your brain.”

Occurring during Stage 1 sleep, these jolts happen as the body transitions from wakefulness. Dr Kumar likens the experience to a "glitch during shutdown." Up to 70% of people experience them, and they are typically harmless, lasting less than a second.

However, lifestyle choices often act as triggers. Stress, evening caffeine, and "doom-scrolling" in bed can leave the brain too wired for a smooth transition. The neurologist noted: “In short: a wired brain struggles to 'power down.'”

While usually benign, Dr Kumar suggests seeking medical advice if jerks are rhythmic, persistent, or accompanied by confusion. Most cases require no tests or medication, as over-investigating can actually heighten the anxiety that fuels the jolts.

Instead, the focus should be on "sleep hygiene" and relaxation rituals. By cutting out screens an hour before bed and managing stress through mindfulness, you can avoid a "crash landing" into sleep.

As Dr Kumar puts it, the real culprit is often our “modern lifestyle, not your nervous system. If this happens to you, you are normal. Sleep peacefully.”