Re: Why is there a strong reaction to falling when I'm dreaming?

Many people have the same feeling of "falling," and it is important for 
everyone to know that this is perfectly normal.

The body builds up muscle tension during the day, when you are walking around 
and doing things. When you do eventually go to bed and begin to fall asleep, 
your body releases the tension in your muscles.  Sometimes the muscles "jerk" a 
bit when they are releasing tension. When this happens, even if you are already 
asleep and not aware of your muscles "jerking," your brain interprets this 
as "falling." Thus, you dream about "falling."

Falling down is something that you do not want to do, and it is not a pleasant 
feeling, so you get a bit frightened when you think that you are falling. Thus, 
your reaction is stronger.

Once again, this is perfectly normal and it happens to everyone from time to 
time.