Health · Medical Research · 2 hrs ago
Frequent sleep-start jolts linked to poorer sleep and higher anxiety
A study linked frequent jolts while falling asleep with poorer sleep and more anxiety.
These sudden movements, often called hypnic jerks, can come with a feeling of falling, a racing heart or fear.
Researchers at the University of Salzburg surveyed 194 adults in Germany and Austria, comparing 96 people with weekly episodes and related symptoms with 98 who did not have frequent episodes.
Participants with frequent jolts reported worse sleep quality, more insomnia symptoms and more anxiety.
The findings suggest repeated, frightening jolts may add to the stress of trying to sleep, rather than being only a brief muscle movement.
Occasional jolts are common and usually do not cause lasting problems, but repeated episodes can make it harder to fall asleep.
The study was a survey, and it found an association rather than proving that the jolts cause anxiety or poor sleep.
A study linked frequent hypnic jerks at sleep onset with poorer sleep quality, more severe insomnia symptoms and higher anxiety.
The online survey compared 96 adults in Germany and Austria who reported weekly episodes with 98 people without frequent episodes.
Participants with frequent jerks also reported more dysfunctional beliefs about sleep.
The researchers said repeated episodes accompanied by fear may make it harder to fall asleep.
- Who
- Researchers Tanja Grünberger and Manuel Schabus of the University of Salzburg, Austria, studied adults in Germany and Austria.
- What
- The study linked frequent hypnic jerks with poorer sleep quality, more insomnia symptoms and higher anxiety.
- When
- Published November 13, 2026.
- Where
- The survey involved adults in Germany and Austria.
- Why
- The researchers examined whether frequent sleep-start jerks were associated with sleep and mental health measures.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Researchers conducted an online survey of 194 adults in Austria and Germany.
Infobae published its report on the study.
- Study sample
- 194 adults
- Frequent-episode group
- 96 adults reporting episodes at least once a week
- Comparison group
- 98 adults without frequent episodes
- Journal
- PLOS Mental Health
- Researchers
- Tanja Grünberger and Manuel Schabus
1 source
What people are saying
Jerks when falling asleep are much more than a simple muscle spasm
sensations of falling, a racing heart, flashes of light or loud noises, and strong feelings of alarm or fear