Why do I feel shaky and jittery inside?

Asked by: Michaela Anderson  |  Last update: July 1, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (59 votes)

Feeling shaky and jittery often results from low blood sugar, anxiety, excess caffeine, or dehydration. Common solutions include eating a balanced snack, staying hydrated, or resting. If symptoms are persistent, severe, or accompanied by dizziness and sweating, you should consult a healthcare professional, as it may indicate an underlying condition.

What causes your body to feel shaky on the inside?

Internal tremor and body stiffness can stem from Parkinson's disease or from other causes like anxiety, essential tremor, thyroid problems, medication effects, or arthritis.

How do I stop the jittery and shaky inside?

If you're wondering how to stop shaking from anxiety immediately, try these techniques:

  1. Deep Breathing Exercises. ...
  2. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) ...
  3. Engage in Physical Movement. ...
  4. Hold Something Cold. ...
  5. Drink Water and Stay Hydrated. ...
  6. Use the 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique. ...
  7. Reduce Stimulants Like Caffeine and Sugar.

What deficiency makes you feel jittery?

One of the most common causes of sudden shakiness and weakness is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Your body relies on glucose for energy, and when levels drop too low, you can start to feel dizzy, weak, and unsteady.

Why do I feel shaky and nervous inside?

Feeling nervous and shaky inside is a common physical response to high stress or anxiety, often described as "internal tremors" or vibrations. This sensation is likely caused by a surge of adrenaline activating your muscles, similar to a "fight-or-flight" response. It is usually triggered by stress, anxiety, caffeine overload, or lack of sleep.

Internal Body Tremors, Vibrations, and Trembling Explained

25 related questions found

What do anxiety tremors look like?

When you're feeling anxious, your muscles may become tenser, since anxiety primes your body to react to an environmental “danger.” Your muscles may also twitch, shake, or tremble. Tremors that are caused by anxiety are known as psychogenic tremors.

When should I see a doctor for jitteriness?

In general, see your healthcare professional if you have any dizziness or vertigo that: Keeps coming back. Starts suddenly. Disrupts daily life.

What do you crave when your B12 is low?

When Vitamin B12 is low, you often crave animal-based products like red meat (beef, lamb), fish, and eggs. These cravings arise because the body seeks nutrient-dense foods to correct the deficiency, resulting in sudden, intense hunger for protein-heavy meals. Some individuals may also crave sugar due to fatigue.

What does early Parkinson's tremor look like?

Early Parkinson’s tremor typically appears as a resting tremor, often starting on one side of the body, such as in one hand or finger, while the limb is relaxed. It is frequently described as a "pill-rolling" motion—a rhythmic back-and-forth movement of the thumb and forefinger—and tends to lessen or stop when the hand is actively used.

What are 5 physical signs you're taking too little vitamin D?

What are the 8 signs of low vitamin D?

  • Bone pain and lower back pain. ...
  • Fatigue. ...
  • Muscle aches and cramps. ...
  • Bones loss and osteoporosis. ...
  • Mood changes and depression. ...
  • More frequent illnesses and suppressed immune system. ...
  • Prolonged healing. ...
  • Hair loss.

Can you have internal tremors and not have MS?

Internal tremor (IT) is a common disorder only reported once before. IT was found in 33% of consecutive PD, 36% of multiple sclerosis and 55% of essential tremor patients. We conclude that IT is common in these three populations but confirmation is needed. IT needs also to be evaluated in healthy controls.

What vitamin helps with shaking?

Key vitamins and supplements that may help reduce shakiness or tremors include B-complex vitamins (specifically B1cap B sub 1𝐵1, B6cap B sub 6𝐵6, and B12cap B sub 12𝐵12), Vitamin D, and Vitamin E, as deficiencies in these can cause nervous system issues. These nutrients support nerve health, neurotransmitter balance, and muscle contraction, which are crucial for treating essential tremors or neurological-based shakiness.

Can dehydration cause you to feel jittery?

Yes, dehydration can make you feel jittery, shaky, or trembling. This occurs because a lack of fluids causes an electrolyte imbalance (low potassium, magnesium, or calcium) and reduced blood volume, disrupting muscle function and triggering a, "fight-or-flight" response, which can feel like physical nervousness.

What neurological disorder causes internal tremors?

Internal vibrations, also known as internal tremors, can feel like a person is shaking on the inside. They typically affect people with Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or essential tremor. Internal tremors are shaking sensations felt inside the body.

How to get rid of internal shakes?

Internal tremors—the feeling of vibrating or shaking inside without visible movement—are often managed by reducing stress, eliminating caffeine and nicotine, and improving sleep quality. While often linked to anxiety or fatigue, they can also stem from underlying neurological conditions (like PD, MS, or ET).

Why do I get the feeling of my body shaking like an earthquake, the feeling of spinning, trouble breathing, and impending doom only when I am about to sleep?

The feeling may be from a mental health condition, such as anxiety or bipolar disorder. It may also be an early sign of a medical condition, such as a heart attack or seizure. If a person experiences a feeling of impending doom that does not go away, they should speak with a healthcare professional.

How would you feel if your vitamin D is very low?

Severe vitamin D deficiency often feels like chronic, deep-seated pain and exhaustion, characterized by profound bone pain (particularly in the hips or back), significant muscle weakness or cramps, and persistent fatigue. Other symptoms include depression, hair loss, slow wound healing, and frequent infections.

What deficiency causes you to feel off balance?

Feeling off-balance is commonly caused by deficiencies in Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and Iron. These nutrient shortages can lead to neurological issues, muscle weakness, or anemia, which disrupts the body's ability to maintain stability.

What drains vitamin D from your body?

Vitamin D levels are primarily drained by medications that accelerate its breakdown (steroids, anti-seizure drugs), conditions causing fat malabsorption (Crohn's, celiac disease, gastric bypass), and lack of sunlight exposure. Obesity also lowers levels because fat tissues bind the vitamin, making it unavailable, while kidney/liver diseases prevent activation.

What is the 2 finger test for Parkinson's?

The "two finger test" for Parkinson's, often referred to as the finger tapping test, measures bradykinesia (slowness of movement) by having a patient rapidly tap their index finger and thumb together. It evaluates for reduced speed and amplitude, with "two-finger" variations sometimes involving tapping the index finger against the thumb's middle crease for 10 seconds.

What are the first warning signs of Parkinson's?

Early warning signs of Parkinson's disease, which can appear years before motor issues, include resting tremors, small/cramped handwriting (micrographia), loss of smell, sleep disturbances (acting out dreams), constipation, and a softer voice. Other indicators include a "masked face" (reduced expression), stiff movements, and balance problems.

What does an internal tremor feel like?

An internal tremor feels like a vibrating, buzzing, or quivering sensation inside the body—typically in the chest, abdomen, or limbs—without any visible outward movement. It is often described as feeling "shaking on the inside" or like an electric toothbrush buzzing inside the muscles.

Do you feel hungry when your B12 is low?

Decreased appetite and weight loss. As a result of digestive problems, such as nausea, people with vitamin B12 deficiency may lose their appetite. A decreased appetite can lead to weight loss in the long term.

What drink is highest in B12?

Fortified energy drinks, such as certain GHOST energy drinks or Vitamin Energy shots, often contain the highest amounts of vitamin B12, sometimes exceeding 14,000% of the daily value. For natural sources, cow's milk, kefir, and fortified plant-based milks (soy, almond) are excellent, providing up to 50% of the daily requirement per cup.

What are the worst symptoms of B12 deficiency?

The worst symptoms of severe or long-term Vitamin B12 deficiency stem from irreversible neurological damage and profound anemia, including severe cognitive impairment (dementia/memory loss), debilitating ataxia (difficulty walking/balance), peripheral neuropathy (numbness/pain in hands and feet), psychosis, vision loss, and extreme fatigue.