Suggestions for Relief from Hypnic Jerking

Below are highlights of what has worked with people from our Facebook community threads. It is not meant to be medical advice and should be reviewed by your medical practitioner.

We have many similar patterns. However, each case seems to be slightly different.

Information below is culled from close to two decades of data gathering. Its biggest influence, however, has been the data from trials involving our Facebook group over the last three years. Most of it can be summarized in one sentence: Do your best to decrease inflammation in your life. This includes doing ANYTHING you can to decrease stress levels (emotional & physical). This information applies to many complex or chronic conditions. Below are more specific suggestions that should be brought to a practitioner you are working with:

1. Try to avoid anticholinergic and serotonergic medications, as they can increase arousal instability and worsen symptoms. Additionally, avoid rapid vascular tone shifts. Medications that quickly alter blood pressure or vascular tone may destabilize sleep transitions. Phosphatidyl choline can help counter the effects if you need it. It's recommended that you research all of your medications and supplements prior to taking them.

2. Try binders (charcoal, CSM, bentonite clay, Diatomaceous Earth). They seem to be most helpful to people at sleep time (must be taken separately from medications).

3. Try electrolytes. Currently, group members are experimenting with different types/mixes. It might be due to the bicarbonate or alkaline properties. Or it can be related to a certain genetic predisposition. In my case, I cannot handle any electrolyte with chloride in it.

4. Liposomal lidocaine cream at 5% seem to also be helpful. Currently, group members are experimenting with different areas of placement for the lidocaine to have maximum benefit. I personally find that when I place lidocaine on my upper thigh, I do not jerk.

5. Consider seeing any or all of the following doctors: a neurological chiropractor for cranial nerve rehabbing, an atlas orthogonal chiropractor for CSF flow evaluation and treatment, an osteopath or lymphatic drainage therapist who does manual manipulation, a functional/complementary / or integrative MD. (See the FAQ's for links to search for these practitioners in your area).

6. Rule out infections, dysbiosis, and hormonal imbalances that result (pay attention to cortisol and histamine). These things keep fanning the flames of inflammation.

7. Consider having your genetics tested. We have a cohort of 55 in the group who are comparing their genetics (in particular, looking at channelopathies).

8. Work toward decreasing any emotional, occupational or physical stressors, especially close to nighttime. Exercising later in the day has been problematic for many group members.