hypnagogic startle

hypnagogic startle

Sleep start Sleep disorders A sudden body jerk, observed normally at sleep onset and resulting in momentary awakening

hyp·na·gog·ic star·tle

(hip'nă-goj'ik stahr'tĕl) A twitch or myoclonus that occurs when the sleeper awakes suddenly, often accompanied by a sensation of falling through space.