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Imagine that you're relaxed and drifting off to sleep when suddenly an arm or leg twitches and you have the sensation of falling out of bed. If this has happened to you, you've experienced what sleep specialists call a hypnic jerk or sleep start. Sleep starts happen in normal, healthy people and don't ordinarily require any medical treatment. However, certain medical conditions can make you jump in your sleep and should be evaluated by your physician.
Night time panic attacks. Panic attacks can also come in the night while youâre asleep, and wake you up. This can happen if your brain is very alert (due to anxiety), and interprets small changes in your body as a sign of danger. Experiencing a panic attack during the night can be particularly frightening, as you may feel confused about whatâs happening, and are helpless to do anything to spot it coming. I canât sleep due to panic attacks and nightmares. When I fall asleep within an hour I am up, soaked, heart racing and shaking.