Body
A lot of times when I sleep, all the sudden my body will just jerk and I wake up. I’ve heard other people my age get them, but what causes it? Is it really normal and how can I make them stop?
- missyrissy
Hey Missyrissy,
What you’re experiencing is known as myoclonic jerks, or quite simply falling-asleep twitches—and they happen to everyone. Have you ever had a dream where you’re falling and suddenly you trash wildly bed and sometimes it causes you to wake up? That’s a myoclonic jerk.
Basically these jerks are your body’s natural response to the wake-sleep transition. During this time, your body is going through some changes in your brain. The over-excitement of the nerves causes you to jerk. Although sleep jerks can occur during any time, they tend to get worse when you’re stressed or over-tired and as a result of too much caffeine.
According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine website, 60 to 70 percent of Americans experience sleep jerks. As long as these jerks don’t interfere with your sleep or daily behavior, you’re fine. But if they’re causing serious problems, you should definitely talk to a doctor.
Lots of love,
L’Oreal
THINK YOU'VE GOT A BODY BLUNDER? CLICK HERE to submit your own problem to be answered on Girl Talk!
BY ANDREA T. ON 5/11/2008 12:00:00 AM 181 COMMENTS
What is a gynecologist, or whatever its called?
-Smart'n'Sassy
Hey Smart’n’Sassy,
A gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in women’s health and hygiene. Your gynecologist can be a man or a woman and it doesn’t matter, as long as he/she makes you feel comfortable. All women should visit a gynecologist at least once a year to check their reproductive health. It is also a good idea for teen girls to visit a gynecologist once you begin to have regular periods.
If you experience really bad cramps every month or if you’re period is very irregular, you should definitely visit a gynecologist. Ask your mom or another trusted adult if you have any questions or concerns.
Lots of love,
L’Oreal
THINK YOU'VE GOT A BODY BLUNDER? CLICK HERE to submit your own problem to be answered on Girl Talk!
BY ANDREA T. ON 5/5/2008 8:25:00 AM 70 COMMENTS
My bust is just starting to grow. One of them is a little big and the other is completely flat! It’s so obviously lopsided! Is this some sort of deformity?
-DramaQueen
Hey Drama Queen,
First of all, you’re not deformed. Everyone develops at different times and even parts of your body develop at different times. Since you’re just starting to grow, you are nowhere near finished yet, so don’t freak out if one of your breasts is bigger than the other—it will catch up soon enough.
But if it’s really bothering you, or you think it may be something more serious, then you should talk to your parents and visit your doctor. However, you should also know that no one’s breasts are perfect—usually one is slightly bigger than the other and that’s completely normal.
You’re probably more aware of your own breasts just because they’re yours, but believe me, no one else probably notices and you shouldn’t feel bad about it. You’re still growing and your body is changing. Don’t worry about being perfect, you’re fine the way you are.
Lots of love,
L’Oreal
THINK YOU'VE GOT A BODY BLUNDER? CLICK HERE to submit your own problem to be answered on Girl Talk!
BY JIAE K. ON 4/27/2008 12:00:00 AM 169 COMMENTS
This is going to sound really gross, but I have a horrible habit of picking the hairs on my arms. I can’t help it! I try not to, but it bugs me so much! What’s wrong with me? Do any other girls have these compulsions or is it just me? Please help.
-LovelyLady
Hey Lovely Lady,
Pulling out your hair is similar to other bad habits, such as biting your nails. However, you're not alone. It is possible that you may have an impulse control disorder known as Trichotillomania or TTM for short. This disorder causes you to feel an urge to pull out your hair. Fortunately, there are treatments that can help you.
Why do you feel an urge to pick your hairs? Are you stressed out at school? Going through a difficult time with a friend? These are all reasons why you may feel the need to pull your hairs even though you don't want to. Maybe you could try other healthier ways to relieve stress, such as working out, reading or dancing. The best thing you can do is talk to your parents and visit a doctor for more help.
Lots of love,
L'Oreal
BY JIAE K. ON 4/20/2008 12:00:00 AM 235 COMMENTS