Any way to catch yourself as soon as you're about to fall asleep?

**Puffin** · 10-29-2010 03:57 AM

Usually when people have hypagogic jerks or sometimes sleep paralysis, they're half-asleep and half-awake but the jerk or paralysis suddenly jolts them wide awake again. Is there any easy way to be able to catch yourself as soon as you're about to fall asleep, if you don't experience a hypagogic jerk?

That's as best as I can word it... Open to comments.

**Clyde Machine** · 10-29-2010 06:05 AM

I really doubt it. It's the one thing I really don't remember from sleep besides the non-dreaming sleep itself. :/

**proxide** · 10-29-2010 07:07 AM

what is this "jerk" you speak of?

**Puffin** · 10-29-2010 12:19 PM

Originally Posted by proxide

what is this "jerk" you speak of?

What is a Hypnic Jerk?

Didn't feel like explaining... Kinda in a hurry. ^^'

**AlantisElis** · 10-29-2010 03:39 PM

I was having those "jerks" last night while trying to WILD. I think the "jerks" make it harder, everytime I would start to see a dream form a "jerk" in my arm or leg would snap me out of it.

**Philosopher8659** · 10-29-2010 06:09 PM

When I was in my teens, I went through a spell where, when I started to wake up, I had the sensation of falling and I would jerk myself suddenly awake--to catch myself. I would find that I was no where near falling off the top bunk. This persisted for several weeks, then, I decided to change my response--not to react to the sensation. I would simply ignore it. I did, and I fell head long onto a cement floor.

The sensation was a warning and I did not know it. This may have been my first warning that I was entering a stage of prophecy. I outgrew that also.

**SystemsLock** · 10-30-2010 06:38 AM

Originally Posted by Philosopher8659

This may have been my first warning that I was entering a stage of prophecy.

You're a prophet now?

**Philosopher8659** · 10-30-2010 11:17 AM

It doen's mean what you think. Don't worry about it.

**SilverBullet** · 10-30-2010 11:53 AM

Well I have done a WILD by realizing the feeling of falling asleep. It was completely spontaneous. I'd say the best way to do it is to do it like your going to do a WILD (after a few hours of sleep) My mind was so alert but my body was tired so I suddenly felt it. I just relaxed and got into a dream. An alert mind and a set intent is your best bet.

**proxide** · 11-01-2010 11:59 PM

the only thing i can say about this is to just learn how to keep following your thoughts without losing track. if that even makes sense..
just... don't fall asleep. easier said then done though.

**dark_grimmjow** · 11-03-2010 03:39 AM

Originally Posted by Mzzkc

I use various MILD techniques to set a “sentinel of intent” to alert me right as I hit the transition stage. After that, it's a simple matter of falling asleep normally and hoping the sentinel kicks in when I need it.

I think this sounds promising. You would need to make sure your prospective memory is fairly good. There's all kinds of exercises you can do to improve your prospective memory. It would also be helpful to try to become as familiar as possible to the feeling of the last few moments right before you fall asleep. It may take alot of practice, but in the end, this could really be useful.

**Kaira** · 11-25-2010 03:53 AM

Hmm... I think I've had hypagogic jerks when trying to WILD. Actually, it sounds like I've had that happen while I'm awake and suddenly snap out of a daydream. o.o

**Supernova** · 11-25-2010 04:34 AM

Yes, the hypnic jerk seems in a way to be a sudden and rapid return to normal waking conciousness. Something which, I find, always results when I become aware when nearing sleep. In other words, the hypnic jerk seems to be a product of catching ymself as soon as I'm about to fall asleep.

**Jay12341235** · 11-28-2010 05:16 PM

Prop your arms upright by your side at a ninety degree angle while laying on your back. Both of your arms should now be pointing to the ceiling. Connect your fingers together so both of your arms are connected at one point (the hands). They should go limp and hit the bed right as you are about to fall asleep.

Is this what you were looking for?

**RosestreakAiri** · 12-13-2010 11:34 PM

If you hit the bed... will you start to go into SP?

**Puffin** · 12-13-2010 11:40 PM

Originally Posted by Jay12341235

Prop your arms upright by your side at a ninety degree angle while laying on your back. Both of your arms should now be pointing to the ceiling. Connect your fingers together so both of your arms are connected at one point (the hands). They should go limp and hit the bed right as you are about to fall asleep.

Is this what you were looking for?

I'm guessing that would prevent SP though, because of the sudden movement. It's like when I'm in the car and I'm about to fall asleep - my head suddenly drops to the side and I have to bring it back up. It jars me out of my sleepiness. Because of that, I'm guessing it's more of a technique with the mind.

Thanks for all the input, everyone else.