This common dream that most adults have could be a health warning: Doctor explains the science behind it
Published on: Jan. 4, 2026, 10:41 p.m. | Source: The Economic Times
A sudden feeling of falling just as you drift off to sleep is a common experience for many adults. Doctors say this sensation, known as a hypnic jerk, happens when the brain briefly misreads muscle relaxation during the transition from wakefulness to sleep. While usually harmless, experts explain that frequent episodes can be linked to stress, sleep deprivation, irregular schedules, or high caffeine intake.
