We are peacefully asleep and suddenly we feel that we are falling out of bed or from the place where we are resting . However, when we open our eyes, due to the shock, we realize that we haven’t even moved from the place.

This is exactly what happens when a person experiences an equine myoclonus. Abrupt and uncontrollable movements that, although they do not pose a risk to health, can become highly annoying and disturbing.

What are equine myoclonies?

A myoclonus consists of a muscular movement of sudden and abrupt nature , of short duration and not subject to the person’s will. Moreover, in the specific case of equine myoclonies, these jerks appear just when we pass from a state of wakefulness to the first phase of sleep.

As a rule, only one of these myoclonic equations appears asymmetrically, the person has the feeling that he or she is falling . This perception of falling makes the person wake up automatically and with a sense of shock.

Since the shocks can be really strong and momentarily cause some anguish in the person who suffers them, equine myoclonias are not considered a serious pathology.

These events, which occur in approximately 70% of the general population, do not usually pose a health risk and are considered to be a benign sleep disorder. Moreover, in some cases, when they appear in a punctual manner, they are seen as perfectly normal. An event that is part of the process of moving from wakefulness to sleep.

In these specific cases, myoclonias appear due to changes in breathing, decreased heart rate, muscle relaxation and temperature changes typical of sleep cycles.

This very curious phenomenon becomes more and more interesting when we know that equine myoclonies appear because, by lowering our pulses considerably, our brain interprets it as a death signal, so it sends a powerful nerve impulse to try to revive the body.

What causes them?

For the time being, it has not yet been possible to determine what factors cause these equine myoclonies. That is, what internal or external agents trigger this strong brain and muscle impulse .

However, it has been found that there are some conditions that can considerably increase the possibility of these myoclonalities or shocks appearing:

  • During times of stress, as well as experiencing both temporary and prolonged anxiety increases the possibility of myoclonus appearing during sleep.
  • Performing high-impact physical activities, which involve significant muscle wear or fatigue, can also encourage the onset of these sudden movements. This could be due to a deficit of calcium, magnesium and iron.
  • Alcohol and caffeine consumption at night can increase the chance of these shocks.
  • Certain medications or drugs that affect the nervous system can also potentiate equine myoclonias.
  • Finally, research is being done on how lack of sleep as well as resting in complicated or uncomfortable postures affects this phenomenon.

When do they show up?

The equine myoclonies are an eventuality typical of the sleep processes that appear when we enter the first phase of sleep, when we abandon the waking state and begin the first sleep cycle.

Also, if we are especially tired, this change from one state to another is more quickly accomplished. Therefore, despite our muscles being very relaxed, our brain still remains active, and when the sensation of falling appears our brain generates an impulse to keep us alert .

Although this sensation into which we seem to fall is experienced as if it were a dream, since we experience it when we are almost asleep, this event or peculiarity is not considered as such. The reason is that dreams, as we know them, only occur during the last phase of sleep; that is, the REM phase.

How can we avoid it?

As we have commented before, the experimentation of these equine myoclonies does not suppose a risk for our health. However, when these appear more frequently, they can generate a great sensation of disturbance and uneasiness.

Below are a number of recommendations to avoid these shocks. However, if they appear very frequently and even more than once during the night, it is advisable to see a doctor specializing in neurology .

  • Decrease anxiety or stress levels with activities that we find pleasurable or through relaxation exercises or meditation.
  • Doing relaxing activities before going to bed . Such as a hot bath, light reading, etc.
  • Do not exercise excessively for at least six hours before going to bed.
  • Get the recommended 8 hours of sleep. Trying, in addition, to maintain a constant sleep schedule.
  • Do not consume alcoholic or caffeinated beverages before going to bed.
  • Maintain a varied diet that provides sufficient amounts of magnesium and calcium that our body needs.