Question from J. Reibel: Towards the end of the summer, my lower right eyelid twitched for weeks. It stopped from one day to the next and hasn't come back yet, but I would still be interested to know the cause of this twitching and whether it could have something to do with the muscles in general. Incidentally, I am a cycle courier.
Expert advice from Dr Eifler: Twitching eyelids, usually on one side and on the lower eyelid, are generally harmless, albeit annoying. It usually stops spontaneously after days or weeks. If more than just the eyelid is affected, you should see a neurologist. From a medical point of view, it is a so-called fasciculation of the muscle fibres, which contract in a disorderly manner due to uncontrolled nerve impulses. This phenomenon also occurs in other muscles, including the leg muscles of cyclists after training. However, it is not as noticeable as the annoying twitching of the eyelid. The twitching can be triggered by a lack of sleep, overwork, stress or prolonged screen time. Occasionally, a lack of minerals, especially magnesium or potassium, as well as excessive caffeine consumption can also be to blame.
For you as a bike courier or hobby cyclist, the first three reasons are the most important. Working cyclists often want to train as much as possible alongside their job. This often leads to stress. The regeneration time required to increase performance is shortened and you don't want to neglect your family and friends. This leads to a lack of sleep and chronic fatigue, which some people try to combat with even more coffee. Mental balance is also neglected. All this can lead to muscle fasciculation. Excessive muscle strain can favour subsequent fasciculation.
RemedyRethink and adjust your daily routine, have your magnesium levels checked and drink less coffee.
