Health Q&A

Bedtime spasms a problem?

Q: I often experience muscle spasms, which keep me awake sometimes. What causes this?

A: These spasms could be a sign of several conditions, the most common of which are called “ hypnic jerks.” These are often associated with dreamlike activity such as falling. When they occur occasionally, they are totally normal. If they occur repetitively or seriously interfere with your ability to fall asleep, they might require treatment. If your muscle spasms become a problem or worsen over time, you should schedule an appointment with your primary-care physician.

Q: My contacts are supposedly safe to wear overnight. Do eyes need a break from contacts?

A: Extended-wear contacts have the greatest risk of serious medical problems. Bacteria and other dangerous microorganisms can multiply rapidly in the warm, moist environment during sleep. If left in too long, contacts restrict the amount of oxygen reaching the eye, reducing its ability to fight off infections. These infections can range from an inconvenient case of pinkeye to more serious conditions such as a fungal infection or Acanthamoeba keratitis that can lead to permanent vision loss.

If your eyes become irritated, light sensitive or painful, or if your vision becomes blurry, remove your lenses and see your eye doctor immediately.

Sources: Dr. John Eickholt III, OhioHealth neurologist; Dr. Alice Epitropoulos, the Eye Center of Columbus