Colin Snow
Newborns tend to shake in their sleep due to a condition called benign neonatal sleep myoclonus, which is characterised by fast, repetitive jerks of large muscles, such as the arms, legs, and torso. While the exact cause of this condition is unknown, researchers believe that these twitches are linked to sensorimotor development and help activate circuits in the developing brain, teaching newborns about their limbs and what they can do with them. These twitches are usually harmless and are considered a normal part of a baby's development.
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What You'll Learn
Newborns shake in their sleep due to reflexes
It is common for newborns to shake or twitch in their sleep, and this is usually a normal part of their development. One of the most common reasons for this is reflexes. Newborns have a range of reflexes, including the rooting reflex, sucking reflex, and blinking reflex, which can cause them to make sudden movements in their sleep.
One example of a newborn reflex that can cause shaking or twitching during sleep is the Moro reflex. The Moro reflex is a survival response that can be triggered by loud noises or the sensation of falling. It is characterized by the baby extending their arms and legs, then quickly bringing them back in towards their body. This reflex typically emerges around two months of age and usually disappears by the time the baby is six months old.
Another newborn reflex that may contribute to shaking or twitching during sleep is the tonic neck reflex. This reflex is also known as the "fencing posture" because the baby's arms and legs extend and stiffen, resembling a fencer's stance. The tonic neck reflex typically emerges around one month of age and fades by the time the baby is three months old.
In addition to reflexes, there are other possible explanations for why newborns shake or twitch in their sleep. One theory suggests that these movements are related to the baby's development and their rapidly developing neurological system. Researchers believe that the twitches may help the baby's brain to learn about their limbs and what they can do with them, contributing to their motor skills development. This theory is supported by studies in mammals and birds, which show that twitching is often associated with REM sleep during early development.
While newborn shaking or twitching during sleep is typically harmless, there are some cases where it may indicate a more serious condition. Benign neonatal sleep myoclonus is a sleep-related movement disorder characterized by fast, repetitive jerks of large muscles during sleep. This condition is considered harmless, but it can be difficult to distinguish from epilepsy without measuring brain waves. If you are concerned about your baby's shaking or twitching during sleep, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional.
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It is a part of their development
Newborns shake in their sleep due to a variety of factors, and it is usually a normal part of their development. One of the most common reasons is reflexes. Newborns have immature yet rapidly developing neurological systems, which cause them to twitch or move a lot during sleep. This is often referred to as benign neonatal sleep myoclonus, a sleep-related movement disorder characterised by fast, repetitive jerks of large muscles during sleep. While it can look alarming, it is typically considered harmless by researchers and medical professionals.
These twitches are believed to be linked to sensorimotor development and the activation of circuits in the developing brain. Researchers have found that twitching during sleep may be a way for newborns to learn about their limbs and what they can do with them. For example, neck twitches during sleep have been associated with the developing ability to support their heads while awake. As babies grow and develop new skills, you may notice that their twitching patterns change.
In addition to being a part of their development, twitching during sleep in newborns may also be a result of dreaming. This can occur during both NREM (non-rapid eye movement) and REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, with REM sleep being the cycle where we dream. While it is less common, dreaming can also cause newborns to twitch in their sleep.
It is important to note that while benign neonatal sleep myoclonus is generally considered harmless, there are some instances where further evaluation may be necessary. If you notice abnormal eye movements along with body movements, trouble breathing, or blue, purple, or gray skin discolouration, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Additionally, if you are concerned about your baby's twitching or stiffening when they are awake, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional.
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They are dreaming
It is common for newborns to shake or twitch in their sleep. While it may be alarming for parents to witness, it is usually a normal part of a baby's development. One reason for this could be that they are dreaming.
Babies spend a lot of time sleeping, about 14 to 17 hours per 24 hours. During this time, they are hard at work on their development. Researchers believe that twitching during sleep is linked to sensorimotor development. When a baby's body twitches, it activates circuits in their developing brain and teaches them about their limbs and what they can do with them. This is supported by studies with mammals and birds, which show that there is plenty of REM sleep during early development. This has led researchers to think of twitches as a way of strengthening neural connections and synchronizing developing structures.
Twitching in sleep can also be a result of reflexes. Dr. Garbi explains that babies can twitch because of newborn reflexes such as the moro reflex or tonic neck reflex. Carolynne J. Harvey, a pediatric sleep specialist, adds that twitching can be a result of dreaming, which mostly occurs during NREM sleep but can also happen during REM sleep or active sleep.
As babies develop, you may notice changes in their twitching patterns. For example, neck twitches during sleep are common in young babies who are learning to support their heads while awake. As they master this skill, the proportion of neck twitches decreases. Similarly, twitching in the wrists and fingers becomes more pronounced when babies start reaching for things. These patterns suggest a relationship between sleep twitches and the onset of new motor skills.
While twitching during sleep is usually harmless, it is important to monitor your baby's overall development and be aware of any potential red flags. If you are concerned about your baby's twitching or notice any unusual movements, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional.
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It is related to sensorimotor development
It is perfectly normal for newborns to twitch or shake during sleep. In fact, it is an important part of their sensorimotor development. When a newborn's body twitches during sleep, it is activating circuits throughout its developing brain and teaching it about its limbs and what it can do with them. This is known as the mapping of the sensorimotor system.
Research on animals supports this idea. Studies with mammals and birds show that there is plenty of REM sleep during early development. Twitching during sleep is thought to be a way of synchronizing developing structures and strengthening neural connections. As a child develops, you may notice changes in their twitching patterns, which may be linked to the new skills the baby is displaying.
UI researchers have also found that twitches during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep are linked to sensorimotor development. They believe that when the sleeping body twitches, it is activating circuits in the developing brain. This is similar to what has been observed in adult rats, where sleep spindles increase the likelihood that neurons in the primary motor cortex fire synchronously and contribute to activity associated with the learning of a skilled motor task.
In addition, researchers are finding support for the idea that twitches are a way to program the brain. When twitches are mimicked in robot models of the musculoskeletal system, they organize their neural pathways. This suggests that when babies sleep, they are still working hard on their development.
While sleep twitching is usually harmless, it is important to monitor your baby's movements. If you notice any unusual movements or if you are concerned, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional.
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It could be benign neonatal sleep myoclonus
If you notice your newborn shaking in their sleep, it could be benign neonatal sleep myoclonus. This is a sleep-related movement disorder that occurs in very young infants. It is characterised by fast, repetitive jerks of large muscles, such as the arms, legs, and torso, during sleep. These myoclonic jerks occur multiple times while the infant is sleeping and are usually symmetrical, involving muscle groups on both sides of the body. In some cases, they may involve the whole body.
Benign neonatal sleep myoclonus is considered harmless and typically resolves without treatment by 3 months of age. However, it is important to note that there is limited research on this condition, and it can be difficult to distinguish from epilepsy without measuring brain waves. Researchers are not sure what causes benign neonatal sleep myoclonus, but it is believed to be unrelated to serious neurologic injuries or abnormalities. One hypothesis suggests that it may occur when the protective sheath around a baby's spinal cord has not yet fully developed, triggering the body to carry out impulses that would usually be impeded.
The condition is generally reported in otherwise healthy newborns without signs of neurologic compromise. Infants with benign neonatal sleep myoclonus are neurologically normal and present with repetitive, rhythmic myoclonic jerks during sleep. These movements can be triggered by rocking the infant or repetitive sound stimuli and can be more prominent in response to loud sounds, touch, or attempts at passive restraint. The condition can cause unilateral or bilateral limb movements that transition from one limb to another.
If you are concerned about your baby's sleep habits, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide personalised advice and guidance based on your baby's specific needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns shake in their sleep due to benign neonatal sleep myoclonus, a sleep-related movement disorder that causes fast, repetitive jerks of large muscles during sleep. It is considered harmless, and most researchers believe that the condition is not harmful.
The symptoms of benign neonatal sleep myoclonus include fast, repetitive jerks of large muscles, such as the arms, legs, and torso, during sleep. These movements are usually symmetrical, involving muscle groups on both sides of the body.
If the twitching stops immediately upon waking, it is likely harmless myoclonic twitches. However, if your baby is experiencing twitching or stiffening when they are awake, it may be a sign of a seizure, and you should consult a healthcare professional.
The exact cause of benign neonatal sleep myoclonus is unknown. However, researchers have hypothesized that it may be related to the protective sheath around a baby's spinal cord not being fully developed, triggering the body to carry out impulses that would usually be impeded.
Yes, newborns may also shake in their sleep due to reflexes, dreaming, or sensorimotor development. Researchers believe that twitching during sleep helps activate circuits in the developing brain, teaching newborns about their limbs and what they can do with them.
