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Sudden muscle movements that are involuntary are known as twitching, and minor muscle contractions cause muscle twitching. Often these symptoms are minor and go unnoticed. Many people have the symptoms of twitching while sleeping. Usually, twitching while sleeping can be a sign of sleeping disorder as it can interrupt sleep. However, in some people, twitching may be a sign of a nervous system disorder.

One can experience twitching at any time, even while sleeping. When neurotransmitters encounter an obstruction, involuntary movements of muscle occurs, albeit this is not a serious condition. Even though twitching is a common occurrence, excessive twitching during sleep can be a symptom of an underlying medical problem. Knowing the type of twitch can help to recognize the underlying cause.

There are several types of twitching like eye twitching, muscle twitching, and nerve twitching. It is important to identify the source of the movement in order to treat the condition properly. Involuntary spasms or seizures are known as convulsions. Involuntary muscle contractions resulting in muscle cramping are muscle spasms. Sudden tensing or relaxation of a muscle group may lead to involuntary movement and is known as myoclonus. Rhythmic trembling motion is known as tremors.

Causes

People usually notice muscle twitching when the muscle visibly jumps. This will occur due to excessive twitching. The most common causes of twitching during sleep include the following:

• Anxiety
  
• Stress
  
• Genetics

Muscle twitching mostly occurs when the body is at rest. If it happens often, it could be a symptom of a disease. Excessive twitching during sleep is known as myoclonus or benign fasciculation syndrome. The causes of this syndrome include:

• Dehydration due to an imbalance in the electrolytes in the body
  
• Vitamin deficiency
  
• Excessive stress
  
• Excessive use of caffeinated, alcoholic beverages that stimulate muscles even at rest
  
• Pinched nerve
  
• Spinal cord infection
  
• Adverse reaction of certain prescribed medicines
  
• Dehydration due to excessive exercise

Excessive twitching during sleep may result from following disorders:

• Sleep Myoclonus
  
• Periodic limb movement disorder
  
• Restless leg syndrome
  
• REM behavior disorder

Excessive eye twitching is called blepharospasm and is caused due to irritation in the eyeball. To get remedy for eye twitching, one should visit an ophthalmologist immediately.

Home Remedies

Usually, home remedies can be an effective solution to address muscle twitching. Identifying the cause of twitching is important as it can help to find a viable solution to the problem.

• If the twitching during sleep occurs due to medication or taking alcohol, simply changing your bedtime routine can help.
  
• Practicing yoga and meditation helps combat stress-related twitching.
  
• In order to avoid twitching from dehydration, ensure to limit consumption of coffee, soda, and beer.
  
• If the cause is a vitamin deficiency, vitamin supplements to replenish the supply of minerals and vitamins can alleviate symptoms.
  
• Consult a doctor before taking vitamin supplements to identify the deficiency.
  
• A good sleep at night can recharge the body for the next day.
  
• Keep yourself warm when you sleep.

Relaxation of the muscles can also alleviate the symptoms. Home remedies for muscle twitching include exercises, massages and warm baths. Stretching exercises can relax the muscles. Massage therapy is an effective home remedy that can relax the twitching muscles all over the body without any discomfort.

In order to prevent muscle twitching, eating a well-balanced diet is necessary. Your diet should incorporate vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, iron, calcium, zinc and folate. Ensure to include more spinach, nuts, beans and rich sources of magnesium.

However, if the excessive twitching during sleep heightens in spite of trying home remedies, proper medical diagnosis is necessary.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.