Doctor Amir Khan has explained the reason many of us suddenly jerk awake when we’re trying to sleep

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Doctor Amir Khan is renowned for offering various health guidance, and he has recently focused his attention on helping people achieve better sleep. However, if you’re someone who frequently experiences sudden jolts whilst waking at night, or feel as though you’re falling when beginning to drift off, it appears certain factors typically trigger this phenomenon.

The GP, who’s recognised for providing health tips on ITV’s Lorraine, shared the expert guidance on Instagram this week, posting a video that explains what people ought to understand. Many of us experience these jolts as we begin falling asleep, which can occasionally cause mild alarm.

Nevertheless, it appears there are explanations for why this occurs. It’s not the only piece of sleep wisdom he’s offered recently either, as he also clarified why numerous people can wake at 3am.

Demonstrating what takes place, Doctor Amir said: “Have you ever felt you’re falling just as you nod off? That sudden jolt awake is actually called a hypnic jerk and, as you drift into sleep, your muscles relax, and sometimes your brain interprets that as falling.

“It’s a misinterpretation, so it sends a quick signal to your body to catch you, and that’s why you twitch awake. Now, some scientists think it’s an ancient survival reflex, back to when we slept in trees.”

“A sudden twitch might have stopped us from actually falling. It’s totally harmless. More common when you’re stressed, have caffeine late or you’re just super tired.

“So, next time it happens, don’t panic. it’s just your brain being quirky. Totally normal. Totally harmless.”

Doctor Amir admitted it’s something that happens to him “all the time”, and it’s nothing to worry about. In the comments, many others said they’ve experienced it too, reports the Mirror.

What you need to know

If you’ve never experienced them before, hypnic jerks are common, involuntary muscle spasms, also known as “sleep starts”. They occur during the transition from wakefulness to light sleep, and often lead to a sensation of falling or a sudden jolt.

What you may not realise is that they are actually experienced by over 80% of people and they are generally harmless. They’re caused by nerves misfiring as muscles relax, or by fatigue, stress or caffeine.

In other words, if you drink coffee late, are extremely tired or stressed, your body may be trying to tell you something, as you could need to make some lifestyle changes. Even being in an uncomfortable sleeping position can cause them.

If you want to try and stop them, you can start by reducing stimulants (caffeine), maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and practising relaxation techniques. Doing these things may help to decrease frequency.

Even though they are usually nothing to worry about, persistent or painful episodes should be discussed with a doctor. This is important to rule out any other potential sleep disorders.

If you’re experiencing any difficulties with sleep and it’s affecting your wellbeing, it’s worth speaking to your GP. They’ll be able to recommend approaches to help address the issue.

“DfI is looking to slow everyone else down, but speed up HGVs.”

A Stormont proposal to speed up HGV lorries has been criticised as “totally stupid” amid concerns of “illegal” road signs in Royal Hillsborough.

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s regeneration and growth committee unanimously reacted against a Department for Infrastructure proposal on new speed limits for Northern Ireland.

The chamber heard further concerns of illegal speed signs being put up in a Co Down village with the potential for drivers to be falsely alerted.

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Downshire West DUP Alderman Allan Ewart said: “There are road signs in Royal Hillsborough for 20mph, that I think are illegal and were put up about a year ago. Should we be in touch with DfI about this?

“What is to stop someone putting up a fake road sign for 90mph? What are we going to do about it?”

A report to the committee shows that DfI is proposing to introduce more 20mph zones and lowering national speed limits on single rural roads and dual carriageways.

However, it is also proposing to increase the speeds of HGV drivers. The 14 week public consultation will close on April 22.

Downshire East UUP Alderman James Baird added: “I would say that the current national speed limits are adequate and that DfI would be better spending their time fixing the roads and potholes.

“To increase HGVs is just totally stupid. DfI is looking to slow everyone else down, but speed up HGVs.

“They are currently restricted to go 10mph slower than the national road speed.

“We would need to be very cautious on this proposal.”

A council officer responded: “We are aware of the 20mph road signs in Royal Hillsborough and contacted has been made on behalf of the council with a complaint reported.

“I will note on our consultation response to DfI that we are unanimous in not wanting HGVs to speed up.”

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Alongside Highland cows and Konik ponies, walkers may also come across some other wildlife

The winter months are finally fading away, the clocks are soon to change, and the sun is starting to come out. There isn’t a more ideal time to put on your walking boots and explore the wonders of nature.

From a circular walk at Houghton Mill to a peaceful walk at Anglesey Abbey, walkers are not short on choices in Cambridgeshire. One particular walk even offers the chance to spot Highland cattle and Konik ponies.

Wicken Fen Adventurer’s trail offers trekkers a three-mile walk exploring a multitude of landscapes. The walk begins and ends at Wicken Fen National Trust visitor centre, in the village of Wicken, near Ely.

At the start of the walk, follow the path along Wicken Lode and Wicken’s Poor Fen. This is land where traditionally villagers had the right to collect sedge and peat.

Following along, you will cross Monk’s Lode and Norman Bridge where you can often see plants such as water lillies. Further along the trail walkers will go along a bank known as Baker’s Fen. This is the time to keep your eyes peeled for herds of Highland cattle and Konik ponies grazing away. Roe deer, hares, and birds such as eared owls and marsh harriers can also often be spotted here.

The trail then takes you along a path, which leads to the site of Norman’s Mill. This iconic, historic windpump has now been restored but originally, it was used to drain the peat pits.

Continuing along, the trail takes you alongside Wicken Fen and a path leading into West Mere Hide. This used to overlook the mere’s west end and the island. Don’t forget to note the reed beds, as well as listening out for the boom noise of the bittern insect.

Coming to the end of the trail, trekkers will follow the sign for West Mere Hide and head back to the Wicken Fen bank, crossing over the Normans Bridge and return towards the visitor centre. If you have time, make a stop along the way at West Mere Hide and see what wildlife is out in the mere. Wicken Fen is home to over 4,000 species, including Britain’s largest dragonfly.

If the three-mile walk has left you feeling peckish, then you could make a stop at The Docky Hut cafe right next to the visitor centre. It offers a variety of homemade bakes, light lunches, or an afternoon tea for you to enjoy.

One woman said: “I love where we live”

People who live in a “safe” Cambridgeshire town say it is a “great” place to bring up a family. Huntingdon is one of the largest towns in Cambridgeshire – home to more than 25,000 people.

It is a market town and the birthplace of notorious historic figure Oliver Cromwell. As part of the Exploring Cambridgeshire series, we spoke to some Huntingdon residents about their hometown.

Anne Monkman has lived in Huntingdon for over 30 years, while her daughter Sarah Gosling was born here, moved away, and came back. “I am a boomerang child,” said Sarah.

She added: “I moved away and then came back here in my 20s. It has a nice family feel here. I grew up here and enjoy it, and I wanted to have my children here.”

Anne said the town has “quite good facilities”. She added: “It also has good transport. I go to Cambridge by train. It also has good public transport.”

Sarah agreed that Huntingdon’s transport is good, as she frequently travels by train to visit friends in London. She added: “Coming from my mum brain, there is also a lot to do for kids.

“Churches do a lot of group like toddler groups and they are free. It’s a good community.” The mother and daughter also find Huntingdon to be “safe”.

Barry Graves said he has lived in Huntingdon for over 50 years and said he will “die here”. “I love it,” said Barry. “It has all you need. We have excellent transport with the train station being so close to the centre.

“You can go to places like Cambridge or London very easily. We have historic buildings that add a bit more character to the town, and it makes it a lovely place to walk around. We have lots of nature nearby. It’s great to take my dog for a walk.”

Linda Hamilton believes Huntingdon has a “lot to offer” younger people. She said: “We have lots of shops and supermarkets nearby that people can shop at, and lots of houses being built. It’s a good place to move to.”

Another woman, who wished to remain anonymous, also admires the nature Huntingdon has. She said: “I moved here with my husband in our 20s and we brought our kids up here.

“We wouldn’t change it for the world. There is so much to see and many pretty sights, especially for walking. The buildings are a bit more interesting than the modern ones they are building. I love where we live.”

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The warship HMS Dragon is now not expected to leave for the Mediterranean until next week to begin its mission to defend a British military base in Cyprus from attacks by Iran.

The ship is one of six Type 45 air defence destroyers in the Royal Navy and one of three that aren’t currently out of service.

It is well-equipped to deal with Iran’s Shahed-type drones, so why has it taken so long to send it to the region?

Niall speaks to defence analyst Tom Sharpe, who also spent 27 years in the Royal Navy, about the military capabilities of HMS Dragon, the state of the Navy currently, and when the warship might finally arrive in the Med.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – why@sky.uk

This week, Saharan dust has been moving across Europe.

With the Atlantic weather systems heading towards the UK, many are questioning if this will result in “blood rain”, a term used to describe rain that appears tinted red due to the presence of dust in the atmosphere, impacting the UK on Wednesday or Thursday.

However, the Met Office has provided some clarity regarding this phenomenon.

What is Blood Rain?

It’s important to note that ‘blood rain’ is not a scientific term.

The rain’s red tint can range from a mild rusty colour to deeper reds, depending on the concentration of dust in the air during a downpour.

Look closely and you can spot some Saharan dust on the satellite images that is now drifting towards southern parts of the UK 🛰️

This is likely to cause some hazier skies in our weather this weekend 🌥️ pic.twitter.com/IrT5x7sM2K

— Met Office (@metoffice) March 5, 2026

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Typically, these particles are abundant in iron oxides, lending them the red hue.

For the rain to visibly appear red, a relatively high concentration of these particles needs to mix with the droplets in the atmosphere during a downpour.

Where does it happen?

More commonly, though, rain appears normal and may leave a thin film of dust on surfaces once dried.

Regarding the upcoming days, the UK, especially the southern parts, can expect a plume of dust coming northward from the Sahara Desert.

This atmospheric event may lead to dust settling out with the rain on Wednesday and Thursday.

Despite the looming presence of this phenomenon, the Met Office assures that the density of dust in the rain will remain low.

(Image: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)

Resulting Rainfall Pattern

This means the rainfall won’t appear distinctly red, but rather, will likely leave a light layer of yellowish or brownish particles on cars and windows once it dries.

For those in the southwest, overnight and early-morning rain on Thursday could carry these dust particles due to a moist south-westerly airflow interacting with a broad dust plume.

Conversely, dust levels for other parts of the UK are forecast to remain even lower, resulting in non-differential rainfall.

Residents in the region may notice a light dusting on vehicles, decreased visibility at high altitudes, and possibly, notably vibrant sunrises and sunsets caused by the scattering effect of the airborne dust particles on sunlight.

On the brighter side, the expected dust levels carry no significant health threats.

People with sensitive respiratory systems may only perceive a minor increase in airborne particles until the rain clears the atmosphere.

If you’re planning to wash your car, waiting until the end of the week may be wise, as additional dust pulses could reach the UK before conditions settle.

The foreign minister of Cyprus told Sky News that British bases are the target of military action, not his country, as he expressed his “dissatisfaction” with the UK’s response to the Iran war.

The country’s foreign minister, Constantinos Kombos, welcomed the deployment of additional UK forces but said the deployment of assets to the country was coming “from the EU primarily”.

Follow Iran latest

The support of Greece, France and Spain was highlighted by Mr Kombos in an interview with Sky News, as he explained how the country was “creating a collective shield”.

“The UK has deployed its own forces; we are waiting for them to be incorporated into the system,” he said.

He also reminded the British government of its “responsibilities in relation to its bases”, stressing that it was not Cyprus being targeted, but British bases on the island.

“Right now, what matters is we get through this crisis.

“After this crisis ends, hopefully we will be able to reflect… and see what happened and what could have happened,” Mr Kombos said.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper told Sky News’ Mornings With Ridge and Frost on Monday that the RAF base Akrotiri in Cyprus had been hit by a one-way attack drone.

The strike hit the airport’s runway in an attack which Mr Kombos said didn’t cause “any real damage”.

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On Thursday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended the UK’s military response in the run-up to and aftermath of US and Israeli airstrikes against Iran, that killed the country’s leader.

Six RAF F35 jets were sent before the war started to reinforce the eight Typhoons permanently stationed in Cyprus.

Since then, ground-based, short-range air defences have also been deployed, and Wildcat helicopters, which have the capability to detect drones, are due to arrive in Cyprus over the weekend.

The UK is also deploying HMS Dragon, a Type 45 air defence destroyer, to Cyprus. Though it won’t arrive in the region till next week.

Mr Starmer also announced on Thursday that four additional Typhoons would be deployed to Qatar as strikes against Iran by US and Israeli forces continue.

The letter, from Robin Bishop and Gordon Massey, states: “Our principal concern at this point is the clear conflict of interest since the mayor controls Transport for London, which not only owns the site and runs the Tube and bus services connecting it to our neighbourhood, but has commissioned the project and stands to profit from its construction. That is setting, writing and marking your own homework.

Helen Newall, 43, who has owned The Little Dress Shop for the last seven years said she was “over the moon” to be nominated for the Richmond Business and Tourism Association awards thanks to her creative window displays.

She said: “It was such a surprise. I found out last week when I was at the theatre with my friends and I couldn’t believe it.

The Little Dress Shop (Image: Helen Newall)

The Little Dress Shop (Image: Helen Newall)

“I have no idea who nominated me, but I am so grateful as it is the first time I have been put forward for this award.

“I knew about the Business Awards before, but when I’d looked in the past there wasn’t really a category that my shop fitted into.

“It wasn’t until I got the email that I realised there was an award for windows, which they haven’t done before. I’ve got no idea who nominated us, but it’s really lovely.”

The boutique, which specialises in occasion wear, including gowns, fascinators, hats, and accessories originally opened in April 2019 alongside her friend part-time.

However, after being made redundant, Helen took over the shop full time and it has now gone from strength to strength.

The nomination recognises the shop’s eye-catching window displays, despite what Helen describes as being one of the smallest shop windows in the town.

She said: “It’s quite hard to showcase everything I sell because I only have one of each item and my window is so small.

“But I try to theme the window, whether that’s Easter, Valentine’s Day or a colour theme.”

The Little Dress Shop (Image: Helen Newall)

Past displays have included a Princess Jasmine-inspired scene during the year of the Aladdin pantomime and a ball gown made from 14 Union flags for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, which won a town council window display competition.

“I just like trying to create something that catches people’s eye”, she said.

The nomination has already received a positive response from customers and friends.

The Little Dress Shop (Image: Helen Newall)

The 43-year-old said: “Everyone’s been really supportive.

“People have been congratulating me, although I have to keep reminding them it’s just the nomination for now!”

Shortlisted businesses are expected to be announced on March 23. Those shortlisted will then be invited to attend the awards ceremony on April 17, at The Station Cafe Bar.

You can find the shop at 13a Finkle Street, Richmond, DL10 4QA.