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Internal shaking when drifting off or waking up from sleep
I don't even know where to start. For the past few weeks I have been feeling like I am shaking inside when I lay down to sleep. At first it was just when I lay down, and then it started more when I wake up throughout the night. I initially thought the bed was shaking or it was vertigo, but the room wasn't spinning. It was like inside of me from the torso up. This alarms me. I had blood work pulled at the ER and even had a brain scan. I had an echo a few months ago (trying to normalize blood pressure- another story). All came back well. I changed a medication recentlty for blood pressure and wonder if its that. I have tried to explain this to family and no one has ever heard of it. Last night when it happened I quickly checked my heart rate and breathing. All is fine. I don't seem to be in any pain, but it's a scary feeling. If I sit up it stops. If I shift positions it stops. It doesn't happen as soon as I lay down, but soon after. I think I am overall in good health, so I don't know what this is. I am following up with a neurologist too. But it is so hard to describe to be. Once it felt like vibrations and other times is like shaking. Not in my arms, legs or hands, just upper body and head. I am concerned.
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This has been happening to me for several years, before covid, I took wonder what causes this feeling. I usually experience it when I have not gotten enough sleep.
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1 ReactionIt happens to me often , it’s like shaking 🫨 or little jolts . Mine mostly upper body too but sometimes other places like Arms too .
I just lost my husband of almost 22 years suddenly & many other horrible things I had to go through since that awful day .
I am not able to eat barely at all , have chronic GI issues ( 10 yrs ), sleeping 💤 3.5 hr night . Physically and mentally I’m breaking down . I think that’s all when this started . Stress brings a lot of it on .
Please let me know what you find out .
My husband passed 6/2/25 suddenly. It’s 4.5 months now . Cardiac arrest. My rock 🪨 my love … my whole world 🌎. He was 66 but looked 55 & healthy .
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2 Reactions@goffeebean I have this when I crawl in bed and lay on my left side. My body shakes and am like what is going on. So strange. Drs. Look at me like a am crazy when I tell them..
@kelgirl: 11/8/25 Wow, so glad to learn someone else explains “my episodes” as her experience! I thought I was “loosing It”.
I have had this shaking for a couple years- only when in bed; most often waking up. It scares me so bad! Lately I quickly get out of bed & walk around and the feeling stops. My heart rate @ pulse are not elevated either.
Do you think stress is the cause? Lack of deep sleep? Exhaustion? Age? = I just turned 80, but am still active & mentally sound! I’m scared and want to find cause bc I don’t want to experience this Fear of unknown.
I have never had Covid, but have now read the many Mayo posts from peers who have similar symptoms. Is there anyone who has identified a definite cause? Neurological/Physiological disorder is a huge area offering no specific cause or cure. I am alarmed bc I feel it may be a “warning sign” that my body is lacking some nutrient or something now in order to avoid a future malady. I know that sounds crazy, but honestly I am sane! Somebody has to have found the answer to these symptoms!!!
Can you help me? dbamos1945
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1 ReactionI have posted about my vibrations previously on another link. Mine started just after Covid but I don't think related. I have them every single night just before falling asleep and just as I am waking up. I don't believe they are harmful just a fluke in the sleep cycle. I actually am happy when I feel them at night because then I know in a few moments if I stay calm I will fall asleep. Hope this helps.
my leg shakes keep me awake as I go to sleep. It occurs on either leg. It happens as I am almost asleep. My wife has noticed the leg shake for a number of years. It used to happen when I had fallen asleep. But now it happens as I fall asleep.
@dbamos1945 This is an internal type shaking you’re talking about? Feels like a mini-earthquake sorta? If so I’ve been experiencing same. Am 77 have
MS know it’s not MS tremors. Just think it’s odd but unless someone has a good reason why worry?
@westwoman3698:
When this first began I was convinced an earthquake had awoken me! I believe now that I am experiencing internal shaking.
Sorry, I have not revealed any cause of this situation; however, I do have some autoimmune problems including psoriasis, rest-leg syndrome, thyroid, allergies, etc.
I do wish I could find a cause!
Best to you..,
@dbamos1945 I wish you could also. Best of luck in your search.!!