Many people twitch in their sleep. Some don't even know they do it, but chances are their sleeping partners do. Hypnic jerks are involuntary muscle spasms that happen as someone falls asleep. Research suggests between 60-70% of people experience them and there are several theories for why they occur. But regardless of why, hypnic jerks are occurring in bedrooms everywhere and can disrupt a good night's rest for those sleeping next to the afflicted. There are a few ways to help reduce your partner's movements, though, to ensure a better night's sleep for everyone.

What are hypnic jerks?
The first step to dealing with something is to understand at least the basics of what it is. Hypnic jerks, also known as hypnagogic jerks, are involuntary muscle spasms that occur during the time a person falls asleep. There are many theories about what causes these sleep starts and they are quite common. While they do occur in all types of individuals, those with bad sleep habits become highly susceptible. Hypnic jerks are not considered a sleep disorder and their intensity varies greatly. Some individuals don't even know they are happening, while others are woken up with a racing heart.Can they be halted?
There are ways to help stop the jerks from happening. Reducing one's caffeine and alcohol intake is a great place to start, as both of these consumables have a large effect on the quality of a person's sleep. Also, if you tend to exercise before bed, try changing up your workout schedule and allowing your muscles to relax before bed. Put on some soothing sounds or perhaps brew a cup of tea, such as chamomile, that aids in sleep. Meditation can also be very helpful. Adding magnesium to your diet has been found to help alleviate the jerks from happening, as it can help with leg cramps as well.