WHAT IS A SOMATIC TREMOR?

Learn about somatic tremors, their causes, and how to reduce them for accurate physiological readings.

Andrew Hogue
Co-CEO, NEUROFIT
4 MINUTE READ
FEB 4, 2025

A Somatic tremor is an involuntary muscle movements that can interfere with physiological measurements, particularly during medical tests like electrocardiograms (EKGs) and heart rate variability (HRV) readings.

These tremors can add noise to the data, making it harder to get accurate readings. Understanding somatic tremors is valuable for those looking to optimize their nervous system health.

What Causes a Somatic Tremor?

Somatic tremor can be caused by several factors, including:

Muscle tension: When muscles are tense, they can produce involuntary movements.

Emotional stress: Stress and anxiety can cause muscle twitching, leading to tremors.

Physical activity: Recent exercise or strenuous activity can lead to temporary somatic tremors.

Medical conditions: Some neurological disorders can cause persistent tremors.

Chronic stress: Prolonged stress can build up in the body over time as "allostatic load":

Chronic stress builds up in the nervous system, leading to mental and physical health challenges.

Muscle Tension and Emotional Stress

Emotional stress and muscle tension are among the most common causes of somatic tremors. When we're stressed, our body releases cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare us for a fight-or-flight response. This can result in muscle tension and subsequent tremors. Techniques such as meditation and mindful breathing can help reduce these symptoms.

Physical Activity

Engaging in physical activity can also cause temporary somatic tremors. This is usually due to muscle fatigue or the body's recovery process. While these tremors are generally harmless, they can interfere with medical tests.

Adding stillness practices to your routine can help the body relax and reduce the occurrence of tremors.

Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions, such as Parkinson's disease and essential tremor, can cause persistent somatic tremors. If you experience frequent or severe tremors, consult a trusted healthcare professional for further evaluation.

How a Somatic Tremor Affects Medical Tests

Somatic tremors can affect the accuracy of physiological measurements. For example, during an EKG or HRV reading, involuntary muscle movements can create noise in the data, making it more challenging to interpret the results correctly. Understanding how to manage and reduce these tremors can lead to more reliable data and better health outcomes.

The NEUROFIT App's camera-based HRV tech lets you measure your Heart Rate, HRV and more without needing a wearable.

EKG and HRV Measurements

While performing an EKG reading or measuring your HRV, somatic tremors can distort the signals, leading to false readings. This can result in misdiagnosis or incorrect treatment plans. Using calming techniques before these tests can help minimize the likelihood of somatic tremors.

For example, the NEUROFIT app offers a variety of BALANCE exercises designed to help calm the nervous system and reduce tremors before measurements.

The NEUROFIT App's smart exercise library matches you with somatic exercises that relieve stress within three minutes.

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Exercises to Reduce Somatic Tremors

Fortunately, there are several techniques you can use to reduce somatic tremors and improve the accuracy of your physiological measurements. Here are some effective methods:

1. Arm and Leg Squeezes

Arm and Leg Squeezes - A grounding technique used to increase physical awareness of the body.

Arm and leg squeezes are a great way to ground yourself, bring awareness back to your limbs, and release tension.

Sit or stand comfortably and start with one arm.

Use your opposite hand to gently squeeze your arm, starting at the shoulder and working your way down to the fingers.

Repeat on the other arm, then move to your legs, starting at the thigh and working down to the toes.

2. Eye Press Breathing

Eye Press Breathing - A slower paced breathing technique to calm the nervous system.

Eye press breathing combines gentle pressure on the eyes with deep breathing to calm the nervous system.

Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.

Close your eyes and place your wrists gently over them, applying gentle pressure.

Take slow, deep breaths into your belly, focusing on the sensation of the pressure and your breath.

3. Heart-Focused Breathing

Heart-Focused Breathing - A loving-kindness technique to strengthen the vagal brake.

Heart-focused breathing involves directing your breath towards your heart area, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.

Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.

Place your hand over your heart and close your eyes.

Take slow, deep breaths, envisioning the air flowing in and out of your heart area.

The Role of the Nervous System in Somatic Tremors

The nervous system plays a key role with somatic tremors. When the nervous system is dysregulated, it can lead to increased muscle tension and involuntary movements. By focusing on nervous system fitness, you can reduce the occurrence of somatic tremors and improve your overall well-being.

The NEUROFIT Ring shows the six possible nervous system states, and the transitions between them.

Nervous System Fitness

At NEUROFIT, we emphasize the importance of maintaining a balanced and resilient nervous system. Our data shows that members who prioritize daily BALANCE exercises report significant improvements in their nervous system health.

Personal Insights and NEUROFIT's Approach

Our journey at NEUROFIT began with personal struggles with stress and dysregulation. By developing a science-backed approach to nervous system regulation, we've helped thousands of people reduce stress and improve their quality of life.

The NEUROFIT App's guided nervous system program is designed to reduce stress and resolve burnout within a few weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a somatic tremor?

A somatic tremor refers to involuntary muscle movements that can interfere with physiological measurements, such as EKGs and HRV readings. These tremors are often caused by muscle tension, emotional stress, physical activity, or medical conditions.

How can I reduce somatic tremors before a medical test?

Techniques such as Arm and Leg Squeezes and Heart-Focused Breathing can help reduce somatic tremors by promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension.

Can somatic tremors affect the accuracy of EKG and HRV measurements?

Yes, somatic tremors can create artifacts in the data, making it challenging to interpret the results accurately. Using calming techniques before these tests can help minimize the impact of somatic tremors.

How does NEUROFIT help with nervous system regulation?

The NEUROFIT app offers a variety of somatic exercises designed to balance the nervous system and reduce stress. With daily check-ins, in-app HRV measurement, and personalized recommendations, NEUROFIT helps you reduce stress quickly and improve your overall well-being.

Understanding and managing somatic tremors can significantly improve the accuracy of your physiological measurements and enhance your overall well-being. By adding these techniques into your daily routine, you can achieve a more balanced and resilient nervous system.

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About The Author
Andrew Hogue
Co-CEO, NEUROFIT
Andrew is a co-founder of NEUROFIT, and a Caltech graduate with 10 years of tech + product experience at NASA, Snapchat, Headspace, Yale, and his own wellness products used by millions worldwide.
After facing two decades of chronic stress, burnout and C-PSTD, he launched NEUROFIT to provide an effective, data-driven, and accessible solution to these challenges.
Today, the NEUROFIT app is used by 2,000+ leading doctors, therapists, and health coaches, reaching 100,000+ users in 100+ countries.
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