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Every Night When I Try To Sleep I Experience Jerking Reactions How Serious Is This Problem? What Can I Do About It Please?

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Posted on Tue, 31 Jan 2023
Question: For the last month I have had a lot of sleep troubles-
1. Every night when I try to sleep I experience jerking reactions & I am awakened by these involuntary movement of different parts of my body
2. It take me several hous to finally fall asleep
3. I usually end up getting about 5-6 hours of sleep every night
4. How serious is this problem? What can I do about it please?
doctor
Answered by Dr. PALLETI SUJITH KUMAR (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
This is not a serious problem. Your sleep trouble could be due to anxiety.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

So here is my advise. As per your history, you are suffering from generalized anxiety which makes you trouble falling asleep and also causes restlessness, irritability, muscle tension. For the relief of anxiety symptoms benzodiazepines are best initially for symptomatic relief but long-term treatment for anxiety are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. You need to consult a psychiatric doctor for a prescription. Other measures include avoiding stress, following regular sleep schedule, regular exercise. Eating habits also play important role in falling asleep. Take a hot shower in the evening, avoid fatty meals, junk food in the night, complete your meal at least an hour before bed, do not use laptop at least an hour before sleep, sleep in a dark room with adequate ventilation. I hope I have answered your queries. If you need further assistance I'm happy to help you.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. PALLETI SUJITH KUMAR (23 hours later)
Thank u dr--

1. It is Friday night and I went to bed early at about 9 pm then at about 10 pm I awoke -- suddenly got up and found myself seated on the bed from a lying down position

2. That does concern me a bit- why do I tend to get awakened in a startled and sudden fashion?

3. now I will probably be awake for a couple of hours then fall back asleep

4. Do u still feel confident in your previous diagnosis & recomendations- Based upon what I just described?

Thank u again.
doctor
Answered by Dr. PALLETI SUJITH KUMAR (11 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes these are symptoms of anxiety.

Detailed Answer:
" Hello and Welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice." Do not worry.As you have just started to follow proper sleeping routine you will have these symptoms for few more days.Once your body and biological clock get adjusted to this routine you will start seeing results.It may take few weeks to a month but ultimately you will be happy.You can use benzodiazepines as short term medications until your anxiety subside,then slowly taper them.Beware of addictive potential of these drugs.If you need further assistance,I'm happy to help you.
Thanks.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. PALLETI SUJITH KUMAR

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2015

Answered : 228 Questions

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Every Night When I Try To Sleep I Experience Jerking Reactions How Serious Is This Problem? What Can I Do About It Please?

Brief Answer: This is not a serious problem. Your sleep trouble could be due to anxiety. Detailed Answer: Hello, So here is my advise. As per your history, you are suffering from generalized anxiety which makes you trouble falling asleep and also causes restlessness, irritability, muscle tension. For the relief of anxiety symptoms benzodiazepines are best initially for symptomatic relief but long-term treatment for anxiety are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. You need to consult a psychiatric doctor for a prescription. Other measures include avoiding stress, following regular sleep schedule, regular exercise. Eating habits also play important role in falling asleep. Take a hot shower in the evening, avoid fatty meals, junk food in the night, complete your meal at least an hour before bed, do not use laptop at least an hour before sleep, sleep in a dark room with adequate ventilation. I hope I have answered your queries. If you need further assistance I'm happy to help you. Thanks.