Insomnia.

 

I’ve had trouble with insomnia for many years. I remember it starting when I would go to sleep at a normal time but within a half hour I would wake up with a jolt. I couldn’t get back to sleep so I would start reading or looking at my ipad.

I’ve looked this up online and they call this, Hypnic Jerks.

Hypnic jerks are involuntary muscle movement that can happen as you fall asleep.

·         Hypnic jerks are painless but can accompany other sensations like dreams, hallucinations, or sounds.

·         Researchers theorize that nerves in the brainstem trigger the startling reaction.

·         Caffeine, exercise before sleep, emotional stress, and sleep deprivation can increase your risk of hypnic jerks.

Hypnic Jerks: Why You Twitch When You Sleep | Sleep Foundation

 

Another doctor writes that experts don’t know the exact cause of sleep starts, but what seems to be happening is that there’s a neurological tussle between the brain systems that keep you awake and the ones that encourage you to fall asleep.

Why Do I Jerk Awake Right As I’m Falling Asleep? (thecut.com)

 

But I thought the cause was something different. I had tried giving up caffeine and staying off my tablet to no avail. I thought it might be because my grandson had died and I was fearful of what may happen next to my family.

Two weeks ago, I talked with the Lord about this. I did feel convinced then that it was from a deep fear within me. I told God I knew I couldn’t do anything about that. I needed him to take that fear from me. So I laid my fear at his feet and asked for him to help me. He did do that. I have slept all night without the jerking awake and I have slept for 8 or 9 hours.

 My insomnia was so bad I used to stay up all night and finally flop on my bed in exhaustion. I didn’t like being up at night. It was hard to know what to do besides play video games and listen to podcasts. And since being awake during the day I am happier. I can think of more things to do and just generally feel better.

I want to thank God for this. I’m sure having such fear now in his hands is probably the reason I’m happier. Of course, this doesn’t mean I can just go gaily on ignoring the fear. I pray each night for him to take it. Most things in our life don’t just disappear, they come back over and over because they have become ingrained in our minds. Our battle as Christians is to not get discouraged at this, but to realize God understands our struggle and loves us.