I I get jerking moment at night while sleeping - #11369
I get jerks at night while sleeping there are multiple jerking movement there is a lot of moment of thoughts at that time while I'm go to sleep before sleep this problem have done I have told psychiatrist this problem they gave me sleeping pill clonazepam 0.5 currently I am taking this medicine for last 6 to 7 months this has given me 60% relief but I am not getting complete relief
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Doctors’ responses
Your jerks at night are likely sleep-related myoclonus worsened by anxiety and overthinking before bed. Clonazepam has helped partially, but since you are young, long-term use is not advisable due to dependence. A stepwise plan involving better sleep hygiene, possibly melatonin, and gradual taper of clonazepam under psychiatric supervision is recommended. If jerks continue or worsen, a sleep study or neurology evaluation may be required to rule out other causes.
Thank you.
Hello dear See as per clinical history it seems unorthodox movements due to brain hormones like Gaba, serotonin or bradykinin All there are neurotransmitter associated with brain reflex actions As you already taking medication for relief of anxiety, I still suggest you to please get following tests for confirmation Serum bradykinin Serum beta endorphins Serum serotonin Eeg Mri skull if recommended Please share the report with neurologist in person for better clarification Please do not take any medications without consulting the concerned doctor Regards
Night jerks with racing thoughts before sleep are often due to sleep myoclonus or anxiety-related muscle twitches. Since clonazepam has given only partial relief, long-term dependence on sleeping pills is not ideal. Please follow up with your Psychiatrist or a Neurologist for a review of your medication, possible sleep study, and techniques like stress management, CBT therapy, or gradual medication adjustments for better control.
Reason Anxiety, stress, overthinking before sleep
Sleep deprivation or irregular sleep schedule
Caffeine, nicotine, stimulants, late-night screen time
Suggestion Sleep hygiene
Fixed sleep & wake time daily.
No screens, caffeine, nicotine, or heavy meals 2–3 hrs before bed.
Dark, cool, quiet bedroom.
Mind relaxation before sleep
Deep breathing (4–7–8 method).
Progressive muscle relaxation.
Writing down thoughts/worries 1 hr before bed → reduces racing mind.
Supplements (discuss with doctor first)
Magnesium glycinate or melatonin can help some people with sleep & jerks. Therapies
CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia) is highly effective for reducing sleep anxiety + improving sleep naturally.
Yoga, meditation, light stretching before sleep reduce muscle twitching.
Having jerking movements at night, often referred to as sleep myoclonus or hypnic jerks, can be unsettling, though they are quite common. Since you’re experiencing these symptoms despite using clonazepam, which is a benzodiazepine often prescribed for such conditions due to its muscle relaxant and sedative properties, it might be time to reassess your treatment plan. 60% relief indicates that the medication is helping somewhat, but not completely resolving your symptoms, suggesting the need for further evaluation and possibly adjustments. Here are a few points to consider: Clonazepam can develop tolerance over time, so even at the same dosage, its effectiveness might lessen. In the long term, it’s generally not advised to remain on benzodiazepines due to potential dependency and side effects, including balance and cognitive issues. Discuss with your psychiatrist the possibility of tapering off clonazepam and exploring other treatments that target the underlying causes. Explore non-drug approaches such as improving sleep hygiene. Ensure your sleeping environment is conducive to rest - maintain a regular sleep schedule, limit exposure to screens before bed, and consider cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), which is effective for a variety of sleep-related issues. The notion that stress and high mental activity before bed can contribute to restless sleep should not be overlooked. Finding ways to manage stress through mindfulness or relaxation techniques may be beneficial. Additionally, it’s essential to rule out any underlying neurological conditions or other potential causes for these movements through further diagnostic tests like a polysomnogram (sleep study) or neurological examination, especially if there are concerning symptoms like excessive daytime sleepiness or other abnormal movements during the day. Review your overall health picture. An integrated approach looking at lifestyle factors, mental health, and neurological health might give more clarity and lead to an appropriate treatment strategy. Depending on the findings of any additional assessments, other medication options might be discussed, such as gabapentin or valproate, often used for different types of myoclonus when benzodiazepines result in incomplete relief.
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