Miya Pearson
Newborns commonly experience twitching, shaking, or spasms during sleep, which can be alarming for parents and caregivers. These movements are typically considered a normal part of a baby's development, often occurring during the REM sleep phase, and are believed to be linked to sensorimotor development. While sleep twitching is generally harmless, in some cases, it could indicate a more serious underlying condition, such as epilepsy or seizures, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like poor feeding or abnormal skin colour. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult a pediatrician or seek emergency medical care if you have any concerns about your newborn's health or sleep patterns.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How common is it? | Relatively common and completely normal |
| What causes it? | Reflexes, development, dreams |
| What to do? | Observe and film the baby, consult a doctor if concerned |
| What body parts are affected? | Arms, legs, eyes and eyelids, fingers and toes, mouth, head, cheek, and brows |
| What is the medical term? | Benign neonatal sleep myoclonus |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Newborn reflexes
It is common for newborns to shake or twitch in their sleep, and this is usually a normal part of their development. These twitches are often related to dreams, reflexes, or their immature yet rapidly developing neurological systems. Researchers believe that these twitches are linked to sensorimotor development, with the sleeping body activating circuits throughout the developing brain and teaching newborns about their limbs and what they can do. This is supported by observations of neck twitches, which are associated with the baby's ability to support their head while awake, and twitches in the wrists and fingers, which occur when babies begin to display reaching behaviors.
- Rooting Reflex: When the corner of the baby's mouth is stroked or touched, they will turn their head and open their mouth in the direction of the touch, helping them find the breast or bottle for feeding. This reflex typically lasts about four months.
- Sucking Reflex: When the roof of the baby's mouth is touched, they will start to suck. This reflex usually develops around the 32nd week of pregnancy and is fully developed by about 36 weeks. Premature babies may have a weak or immature sucking ability.
- Moro Reflex: Often called the startle reflex, this occurs when the baby is startled by a loud noise or sudden movement. The baby throws back their head, extends their arms and legs, cries, and then pulls their limbs back in. A baby's own cry can trigger this reflex. The Moro reflex typically lasts until the baby is about two months old.
- Fencing Reflex: When the baby's head is turned to one side, the arm on that side stretches out, and the opposite arm bends up at the elbow, resembling a fencing position. This reflex usually lasts until the baby is around five to seven months old.
- Grasp Reflex: When the palm of a baby's hand is stroked, they will close their fingers in a grasp. This reflex typically lasts until the baby is about five to six months old. A similar reflex occurs in the toes, lasting until nine to twelve months, and is called the walking or dance reflex as the baby appears to take steps when held upright with their feet on a solid surface.
Newborn Wheezing: What Parents Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Part of their development
It is common for newborns to shake or twitch in their sleep, and this is usually a normal part of their development. Babies are born with immature but rapidly developing neurological systems, which can cause them to twitch or move a lot in their sleep. This twitching is believed to be linked to sensorimotor development and the activation of circuits throughout the developing brain.
Researchers have observed that twitches in certain parts of the body may be linked to specific developmental milestones. For example, neck twitches have been associated with an infant's ability to support their head while awake, and twitches in the wrists and fingers have been observed when babies start to display reaching behaviours. These twitches are thought to help teach newborns about their limbs and what they can do with them.
The medical term for baby sleep twitching is benign neonatal sleep myoclonus, and it is considered a sleep-related movement condition that primarily occurs during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. However, twitching can also occur during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is a stage that dominates infants' sleeping hours. During REM sleep, the motor areas in the brain generate brief, jerky movements in the face and limb muscles.
While sleep twitching is usually harmless, it is important to monitor your baby's overall health and well-being. If you notice significant twitching when your baby is awake, poor feeding or eating habits, or changes in their skin colour, it is recommended to consult a paediatrician or seek emergency medical care.
Play Yards: A Safe Sleep Solution for Newborns?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Dreaming
It is common for newborns to shake or twitch in their sleep. This is usually harmless and indicative of developmental growth. One reason for this could be that they are dreaming.
Babies spend a lot of time in REM sleep, which is the cycle of sleep where we dream. During REM sleep, motor areas in the brain generate seemingly random brief, jerky movements in the face and limb muscles. These twitches trigger activity in the spinal cord, sensory and motor areas, and the hippocampus.
Twitching in sleep is believed to be linked to sensorimotor development. When the body twitches, it activates brain circuits and teaches babies about their limbs and what they can do with their bodies. Researchers have observed that twitches in the wrists and fingers occur when babies are starting to display reaching behaviours. They have also found a relationship between infants' neck twitches during sleep and their ability to support their heads while awake.
If you are concerned about your baby's twitching, it is a good idea to consult a doctor or pediatrician.
Newborn Sleep: What's True and What's Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Serious symptoms to watch out for
It is common for newborns to shake or twitch in their sleep. This is usually a normal part of their development, and it can be related to reflexes, dreams, or their neurological systems. However, there are some serious symptoms that you should watch out for during your newborn's sleep.
Firstly, keep an eye out for signs of overheating, such as sweating or feeling hot to the touch. Overheating can be dangerous for newborns and may disturb their sleep. Additionally, watch out for hazards in the sleeping environment, such as items with cords, ties, or ribbons that could pose a risk of strangulation, and objects with sharp edges or corners. It is important to ensure that all sleep products and surfaces are approved by the relevant safety authorities and meet federal safety standards.
Secondly, be mindful of your newborn's sleep patterns and habits. Newborns typically sleep around the clock and wake up frequently to feed, but if your baby is sleeping for longer stretches without waking up to feed, it is important to wake them up to ensure they gain weight. This is especially crucial during the first couple of weeks until they show good weight gain. After that, it is generally okay to let them sleep for longer periods at night. However, if your newborn starts sleeping for significantly longer or shorter periods than usual, or if they suddenly change their sleep patterns, it could be a cause for concern.
Thirdly, pay attention to any unusual movements or behaviours during sleep. While twitching is common, if you notice significant twitching or jerking when your baby is awake, it is worth mentioning to your paediatrician. Additionally, if your child is not eating or feeding well, or if they are experiencing poor colour or tone (such as yellowish, bluish, or greyish skin) in addition to twitching, seek emergency medical attention.
Finally, be aware of the potential impact of external factors on your newborn's sleep. For example, secondhand smoke exposure increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), so it is important to keep your baby away from smokers. Additionally, factors such as growth spurts, teething, and illnesses can affect your baby's sleep patterns and quality, so monitor their overall health and well-being closely.
Twin Cribs: Safe or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Sleep myoclonus
Myoclonic jerks in benign neonatal sleep myoclonus are usually symmetrical, involving muscle groups on both sides of the body. They can be triggered by repetitive noises, rocking, or attempts at passive restraint, and are more prominent in response to loud sounds or touch. The condition is considered harmless and benign, and it is not due to serious neurological injuries or abnormalities. However, without measuring brain waves, it may be difficult to distinguish between benign neonatal sleep myoclonus and epilepsy, as the muscle twitches can resemble those that occur during a seizure.
The onset of benign neonatal sleep myoclonus typically occurs within the first 16 days of life, with a median of 3 days, and it tends to resolve within the first 10 months, with a median of 2 months. In most cases, the jerks or twitches occur at the beginning of sleep and disappear spontaneously. A retrospective study of 38 infants with benign neonatal sleep myoclonus found that myoclonic jerks started between day 1 and day 16, and they were mostly bilateral and symmetrical, never involving the facial muscles.
There may be a genetic component to benign neonatal sleep myoclonus, as it has been reported in multiple family members and is more common in infants of mothers with opioid dependency. Additionally, there is a suggested association with migraine, as a retrospective study found that 41.7% of parents of infants with benign neonatal sleep myoclonus had a history of migraines.
While sleep myoclonus is generally considered benign, it is always important to monitor your child's overall health and development. If you notice any concerning symptoms or significant twitching when your baby is awake, it is recommended to consult a paediatrician or healthcare provider.
UK Newborn Sleep: What's the Best Way?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is relatively common and considered a normal part of a newborn's development. This phenomenon is called benign neonatal sleep myoclonus and it happens primarily during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep.
There are several reasons why newborns shake in their sleep. One of the most common reasons is reflexes. Newborns have newborn reflexes such as the moro reflex or tonic neck reflex, which can cause them to twitch. Additionally, newborns are born with immature but rapidly developing neurological systems, which can also cause shaking or twitching. Shaking during sleep may also be caused by dreaming.
While sleep twitching is usually harmless and indicative of developmental growth, there may be a legitimate cause for medical concern in some cases. If you are concerned or notice any unusual symptoms, it is recommended to consult your paediatrician or doctor.
