Hypnagogic jerk!?
If we’re overtired or stressed when we go to bed, there’s a chance that our body will fail to catch up with our brain as it plunges into deep sleep. And sometimes when our muscles are still active, they’ll twitch, giving us the impression that we’re falling. This is a common occurrence affecting up to 70 per cent of us but on rare occasions can be accompanied by hallucinations or sounds coming from within your head. Because scientists link hypnagogic jerks with stress and sleep deprivation, the best way to counter it is by making sure your bed is a great place to be. Invest in a bed in which you can read and a mattress which is perfect for you.
Sleep paralysis
Pretty much the opposite end of the scale to the hypnagogic jerk, sleep paralysis occurs when the brain wakes from deep sleep and the body struggles to catch up. The net effect is for the sleeper to feel as if they are pinned to the bed, unable to move – quite a terrifying feeling which is oten accompanied by a pressure on the chest and the feeling that someone or something is watching you. Because of this “person in the room” feeling, sleep paralysis is thought by many to be linked to many stories about ghosts, demons, angels and witches. Studies show sleep paralysis may have been experienced by up to half of us and be linked to stress and disrupted sleep schedules. As such, anyone wanting to avoid the effects needs to make sure they are getting a good amount of quality sleep in a good quality bed and on a mattress which suits them.
Sleepwalking
The bizarre things we all do in our sleep are frequently documented – although it’s the extreme end of the scale which hits the headlines, with cases of driving, violent attacks, and even murder all linked to sleepwalkers. Although some research has linked sleepwalking to sleep medication and alocohol, it’s thought one or two percent of all children experience it and it’s also fairly common in adults whose sleep patterns are disrupted or who suffer from stress and anxiety. The most important thing for sleepwalkers is that their bed and bedroom is a safe environment: children should not, for example, be in the top bunk if they are prone to sleepwalking.
Sleep-talking
Sleep-talking is much like sleepwalking but is slightly more common with five percent of adults affected.It seems to occur in the early stages of sleep as the brain falls into deep sleep and starts to dream but while the body has enough muscle-control for the mouth to keep working. Most of the time the talking lasts only 30 seconds or so, but this can still be unsettling for anyone sharing your bed. The best course of action for sleep-talkers is for them to choose a good quality mattress which allows their partner to sleep confortably – and then hope they sleep through your chatter!
Exploding head syndrome
Although this sounds extreme, those who suffer from exploding head syndrome simply feel as if there’s been a loud noise or flash in their head. This is often accompanied by anxiety and shortness of breath – and, because it can be quite disorientating, it can lead to insomnia and in some cases panic attacks. Doctors think one of the main causes is again anxiety and sleep deprivation, so the best course of action to avoid it happening to you is to invest in a mattress which gives you the best possible night’s sleep and then make sure you catch enough zzzzs.
