What State Am I In?

I'm sure I'm not the only one who's experienced this and I'm sure there's a simple answer. Occasionally, including today, I was attempting to take a nap when all of a sudden my arm kicked into the air and slammed into the bed. My heart dropped and probably increased in speed by two-three times the average rate. I'm not sure if I'm asleep, sleep paralysis, some kind of in-between stage or what but it always happens so fast and I'm always in a state of shock when it's over. It's not limited to my arms but only occurs in my limbs. Any ideas or insight would be appreciated.

Ive had that before too. I would like to know as well.

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Originally Posted by flipsyde

Ive had that before too. I would like to know as well.

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It's quite annoying eh? I'm sure it effects just about everyone too.

They're called hypnic jerks and typically occur during the onset of N1 sleep.

Anything else you'd like to know, while I'm here?

Thanks for the help Mzzkc that should just about do it.

I get hypnic jerks with my leg all the time, and they wake me right up, such a huge piss off.

That's definitely a hypnic jerk; they occasionally happen when you're in a half-asleep state and are on the verge of falling unconscious, and are often accompanied by a very quick falling and hitting-the-ground sensation. Mine often involve a trip of some sort, too, but it's wierd because they happen so fast!

Lack of sleep, overtiredness, and an improper sleep schedule can contribute to hypnic jerks, but everyone experiences them once in a while. :)