Eli & Elm

Have you ever been drifting off to sleep when suddenly your body twitches, almost like you’re falling? That’s called a hypnic jerk , also known as a sleep start. According to the National Sleep Foundation, up to 70% of people experience hypnic jerks occasionally , while about 10% experience them regularly enough to disrupt sleep . Factors like lack of sleep, stress, caffeine, and poor posture play a major role. Surprisingly, even the wrong sleep pillow can worsen the problem. But don’t worry—hypnic jerks are usually harmless and preventable with the right lifestyle adjustments. Let’s break down everything you need to know about this quirky sleep phenomenon. What is a Hypnic Jerk? A hypnic jerk is an involuntary muscle twitch that occurs during the transition from wakefulness to sleep. It feels like your body is jerking suddenly, often accompanied by the sensation of falling. Scientists describe it as a type of myoclonus —a brief, involuntary muscle movement. While startling, hyp...

 Getting a good night’s sleep is impossible without the right pillow — especially if you’re a side sleeper. Side sleeping is one of the most popular sleep positions worldwide, but it also comes with challenges like neck strain, shoulder pressure, and spinal misalignment if your pillow isn’t designed for this posture. A 2024 study published in the Journal of Sleep Medicine found that 63% of adults prefer side sleeping, but nearly half of them report chronic neck pain linked to poor pillow support. That’s why 2025 has become a breakthrough year for side sleeper pillows, with innovative designs that focus on spinal alignment, cooling comfort, and even reducing sleep apnea symptoms. Let’s explore the best pillows for side sleepers this year — so you can finally sleep better every night. The Science of Side Sleeping & Neck Pain Relief Side sleeping has many benefits: it reduces snoring, may improve digestion, and is often recommended for people with sleep apnea. However, without the...