D..
ETA: K., I just saw this on TV, or something like it. It's from Dr. House, MD and it's called myoclonus. I'm sure that you don't have what this kid did, but please ask your doctor about it.
Original:
From what I remember reading, this is the body's way of preventing you from dying. I know that sounds bizarre, but it's true. What I can't remember is WHEN the body does this.
That being said, what is happening to you is not normal. I've had this happen before too, but it's a once in a blue moon thing. I think that you need a sleep study to be done. Talk to your doctor and get him or her to order a sleep study. Those results will be helpful to the specialist who does the study. Perhaps that's a neurologist - I don't know. Just make sure that you do this.
Please update us!
Dawn