My daughter wanted to know why she will jump awake as she is falling asleep... And I dont have a real answer for her and neither does the internet... Hopefully one of you will!
2006-10-28 06:10:56 · 6 answers · asked by tfer1974 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
I'm not a biologist but I've read a bit about this. It's thought to be a diving reflex, which affects children more than adults. As you fall asleep, your body slows down in particular your breathing. Back at some stage in human evolution, it's thought that we spent a bit of time underwater, and our bodies learnt to slow our heartbeat and limit our oxygen consumption while we were down. When we came back up, our bodies jumped back up to full consumption to replace the oxygen in our bloodstream.
So basically, when you slow down during sleep, or just before you fall asleep, your body's diving reflex kicks in. But then your brain realises you're above water, and normal heartbeat and breathing rate "jerk" back in. This feels like you said, just like you've been jerked awake.
Anyone who's had a falling dream when you wake up just as you land has experienced this effect. Some people get it more than others, some never get it. Like I said, younger kids, babies in particular are good at it. She might never grow out of it. Look on the bright side, she could make an excellent free diver.
2006-10-28 06:21:08 · answer #1 · answered by dm_cork 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dont know, but it happens to me all the time. But i also have that falling sensation before i jerk awake. i wouldnt worry about it unless its a normal occurance.
everyone experiences it once in a while.
i suggest that she not eat, watch TV, listen to music or play on the computer at least an hour before bed.
that what usually causes it(for me at least)
2006-10-28 13:16:03 · answer #2 · answered by ╣♥╠ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that happens to me i think what it is is that she is falling into her "resting" stage and the body is adjusting to it.I ain't no doctor but that could be it.but dont worry it is completely normal
2006-10-28 13:21:56 · answer #3 · answered by Rhiannon. Stay[[+]] 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your mind is in the beginning stages of REM sleep, but your mind is still working as though you are awake, mind over matter thing....
2006-10-28 13:19:28 · answer #4 · answered by mscarlybobarlysmom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that's why they call it falling...it is similar to falling in any other situation....and sometime there is a body jerk reaction..
2006-10-28 13:19:34 · answer #5 · answered by Cheryl E 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Muscles relaxing.
2006-10-28 13:19:37 · answer #6 · answered by hairyleggedspider 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋