According to some researchers, this reflex may date back to a time when our ancestors slept perched in trees to protect themselves from predators. The hypnic spasm would then have served to wake the sleeper at the slightest sign of imbalance.
A biological vestige of our history, which still appears today under our modern duvets!
When the restless mind favors shaking
Stress and anxiety are powerful triggers for hypnic spasms. A still-agitated mind at bedtime makes the transition to sleep more chaotic. The brain, in a state of alert, is then more likely to trigger these bursts.
The role of stimulants in this sleep disorder
Consuming coffee, tea, or nicotine late in the day stimulates the nervous system and can amplify these sensations. Think of your brain like a car engine: under the influence of stimulants, it stays in overdrive when it should be slowing down.
