Why do we sometimes feel like we’re falling when we sleep?
What Causes the Falling Sensation During Sleep?
1. Transition Between Wakefulness and Sleep
As you drift off, your body transitions from a wakeful state into the early stages of sleep. During this time, your brainwaves slow down, your muscles relax, and your heartbeat becomes steady. However, sometimes the brain misinterprets this muscle relaxation as a sign that you’re actually falling — and it reacts by jerking you awake in a protective reflex.
2. Primitive Survival Reflex
Some scientists believe this reaction may be a leftover survival reflex from our evolutionary past. In ancient times, as primates fell asleep in trees, their bodies developed a reflex to prevent them from falling. That sudden muscle spasm helped wake them up if they were losing balance.
3. Stress and Anxiety
People who are anxious or under a lot of stress are more prone to hypnic jerks. A racing mind and tense body make it harder to transition smoothly into sleep, increasing the chance of a jerky wake-up.
4. Stimulants (Caffeine, Nicotine)
Too much caffeine or nicotine, especially late in the day, can interfere with your central nervous system and increase the likelihood of hypnic jerks.
5. Sleep Deprivation and Irregular Sleep Patterns
Not getting enough sleep or having an inconsistent sleep schedule puts your nervous system under stress. This makes your brain more likely to misfire as you drift off.
6. Intense Physical Activity Before Bed
Exercising too late in the evening can leave your nervous system revved up, making it harder for your body to fully relax — which can lead to more hypnic jerks.
7. Don’t Panic If It Happens
Hypnic jerks are harmless in most cases. If they happen occasionally, there’s no need to worry. But if they occur very frequently or interrupt your sleep a lot, it might be worth discussing with a doctor.
Final Thought
That falling feeling is a strange but normal part of sleep for many people. It’s your brain just getting a bit confused as your body powers down for the night. With a little care and routine, you can help reduce how often it happens.
