
Muscle twitching usually has harmless causes. Nevertheless, the twitching can be very unpleasant. We’ll explain to you what helps against muscle twitching and how you should deal with this type of problem.
The upper arm or leg twitches without us having moved: muscle twitching occurs when small bundles of muscles, the fascicles, involuntarily tense, explains the AOK. These unexpected movements then trigger a pulsating feeling or trembling under the skin. This is most noticeable on the upper arm, thigh and eyelid. Muscle twitching is usually harmless. In some cases, however, serious illnesses can also be hidden behind the twitches.
This is how muscle twitching occurs
Many people experience muscle twitching shortly before falling asleep. This is completely normal. However, there has not yet been sufficient scientific research into why the twitches occur before sleep.
Sometimes people feel the twitching very strongly and have the feeling of falling in the middle of sleep. This phenomenon is also described as “hypnic jerk”. It probably occurs because the motor center in the brain is still active and interprets the relaxation of the muscles as falling. In response, our muscles suddenly contract and cause the well-known muscle twitching.
In addition to these typical sleep twitches, there are other causes of muscle twitching. According to the AOK, these include:
- stress
- cold
- Alcohol and drug consumption
- Caffeine consumption
- Mineral deficiency (especially magnesium deficiency)
- hypoglycaemia
- neurological diseases (Parkinson, epilepsy, MS)
- Metabolic diseases (diabetes)
Muscle twitching: This helps

(Photo: CC0 / Pixabay / ysinghm)
The following measures help to counteract muscle twitching:
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Reduce stress: Constant tension also promotes muscle twitching. Many people experience that their eyelids start to twitch when they don’t sleep enough and are under a lot of pressure. But other parts of the body can also be affected by muscle twitching. In this case, it only helps to reduce stress. Meditation, relaxation exercises or yoga can also help you. It is also important that you ensure you get healthy and sufficient sleep.
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Healthy diet: Muscle twitching is also caused by a mineral deficiency. That’s why it’s important that you eat a balanced diet that provides you with all the important nutrients. Especially as an athlete, you should pay particular attention to adequate magnesium intake.
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Exercise: Sport stimulates the cardiovascular system and thereby prevents the muscles from being undersupplied. In this way, exercise also helps against muscle twitching. Exercise can also help you deal with stress better.
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Screen breaks: If we stare at a screen all day, we often experience our eyelids twitching a lot. Therefore, plan breaks consciously. To do this, look up from your screen every hour and let your eyes wander around the room. Conscious eye training can also help.
Muscle twitching can also be a symptom of a serious medical condition. Therefore, you should seek medical advice if the twitching occurs regularly, is particularly severe or becomes more intense, or is even accompanied by painful cramps.
Read more at Utopia:
- What helps against sore muscles? 5 completely natural tips
- Rubbing alcohol: Use and effect for muscle and joint problems
- Potassium: just as important for muscles as magnesium
Edited by Luise Rau
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