Body vibrations when falling asleep or waking?

Posted by cricketlips @cricketlips, Jun 2, 2022

After many google searches for the reason I feel vibration in my head, shoulder and arm just before falling asleep and waking, I found nothing that satisfactorily explained it. Of course anxiety seems to be a common explanation but there was nothing specific enough to help me. I am currently reading Incognito by David Eagleman. It discusses the functioning of the brain as an organ. This morning, going through my routine to get ready for work, I thought of a way to understand the vibrations. Similar to the hypnic jerks we experience occasionally just before we fall asleep, I think the vibrations are intended to arouse me to stay vigilant. Which is the fight or flight mechanism in action. So there is the anxiety connection. Originating in the amygdala. I was thinking Parkinson's or MS but my symptoms don't indicate those conditions, thankfully. It seems counterintuitive to be anxious and sleeping at the same time but the brain can do that. The cerebral cortex sleeps but the life support systems of the brain must stay online, obviously. If you thought you were in danger, sleeping would put you at risk but at some point sleep becomes absolutely necessary. I think the vibrations I have been experiencing are caused by my sympathetic nervous system and not a neurologic disease. Thankfully !

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@bscottya

No. Neither my PCP or Neurologist brought it up. What would an MRI show or rule out?

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what's very fast ? (frequency in 1/s)
where is it ? (chest ?)
I'd try to attach a stethoscope-recorder and replay it to the doctor
(.. and to others here)

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@bsi15

what's very fast ? (frequency in 1/s)
where is it ? (chest ?)
I'd try to attach a stethoscope-recorder and replay it to the doctor
(.. and to others here)

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Approx 6-8/second. It’s in my scalp, face and back of neck. Auscultation isn’t possible as it’s a sensation and not audible.

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thanks. Quite unusual, I think.

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@bscottya

I have been searching for others with symptoms like this. I have a fluttering or vibrating sensation that occurs nightly, some more nights than others and varying in intensity. The frequency is always the same at around 6-8 Hz. It is preventing me from getting good sleep. I have tried muscle relaxers and anti anxiety meds and, aside from maybe making me sleep through the symptoms, nothing helps. It’s infuriating. I am in a stressful time of life so that might be it. I’ve been seen by a PCP and a neurologist and they have no clue what it is. Labs all normal. My chiropractor thinks it is deep neurological retracing but I’m doubting it. I really hope someone can provide more information on how to treat this. Would love to hear if some homeopathic method.

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I have a feeling it is stress in your situation with your labs being good etc. Stess and anxiety can have various affects on one's body. Best to you!

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