Hypnic Jerks
Hi everyone,
I've been experiencing really bad hypnic jerks recently when trying to sleep. For some background, I have really bad stress and anxiety triggered by my health. Recently I've recovered from Glandular Fever and sinus issues, and my anxiety throughout this time has been quite bad.
I've developed hypnic jerks that started roughly the same time I developed glandular fever. At the time it would happen anywhere between 0 and 5 times every night, then more regularly became 0.
That was until this weekend, when I scared the crap out of myself by finding out what Fatal Insomnia (something that 5 people worldwide are diagnosed with every year lol) is and recognising many of the symptoms in myself. Since then my hypnic jerks have become much more violent and regular, occurring up to 20 times every night, preventing me from sleeping. I'm stuck in a vicious circle now where I worry about this disease all day and also worry about going to bed and experiencing these jerks all night again. I understand this amount of anxiety and stress is probably feeding the jerks, I'm just very concerned at the frequency of them now.
Basically, has anybody experienced this amount of jerking before? Does anybody have any advice? I've already been practicing mindfulness, have started to develop a sleep routine, and am seeing a CBT therapist today.
Thanks all
Hi Lori, yes the CBT helped me a lot. I felt it gave me back some control over my sleep insomnia and relieved my anxiety.
That's really good to hear. So many people seem to benefit from it. Thanks! - Lori (Team Member)
Hi
. It sounds like you have been through an awful lot lately. I am glad you are seeing a CBT therapist today. That should help tremendously. Stress is a huge trigger for hypnic jerks, so it would make sense that they are worsening as you dealing with increasing anxiety and stress. Hopefully, your therapist will offer some techniques that will help you cope. Please be assured that fatal familial insomnia is not only extremely rare, but is it also primarily genetic. It is a terrifying disease, so your anxiety is understandable, but the chances that you have it are super, super slim. I think most people who read about it experience anxiety initially because many of the symptoms are common to all sleep disorders. Have you considered asking for a sleep study once you fully recover from Glandular Fever? That might give you some reassurances regarding fatal familial insomnia and it might also help you discover the source of your sleep issues should stress management not helps. Please keep us posted if you don't mind. Thinking of you and sending lots of gentle hugs your way. - Lori (Team Member)
Would the glandular fever be having an impact?
Often, it leaves post viral complications that take some time to resolve.I see you posted about CBTI in another thread today. Has it resolved most of your sleep issues? Wishing you the best. - Lori (Team Member)
