Herbie Murray
It is common for newborns to move around and make noises while sleeping, and in most cases, it is completely normal. Babies spend a lot of time in a sleep phase called active sleep, which is part of their natural sleep cycle and differs from adult sleep. During active sleep, babies are more likely to move, twitch, kick their legs, and make noises. This phase is essential for their growth and development. Babies also experience a Moro reflex or startle reflex, which is related to their immature nervous system. This reflex is normal and usually fades by 3 to 6 months as their nervous system matures. In some cases, a baby's sleep twitching may be caused by a condition called benign neonatal sleep myoclonus, which typically resolves on its own and does not require treatment. While it is generally not a cause for concern, it is important to be aware of other potential issues such as night terrors, nightmares, or rare medical conditions that can cause sleep disturbances in babies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency of jumping in sleep | Common |
| Age of baby | Newborn to 6 months |
| Cause | Moro reflex or startle reflex |
| Normal behaviour? | Yes |
| Dangerous? | No |
| Treatments | Swaddling, sleep routine, sleep hygiene, tetrabenazine |
| Diagnosis | Benign neonatal sleep myoclonus |
| Symptoms | Involuntary and repetitive muscle jerks in the trunk, arms, legs, or whole body |
| Resolution | Usually resolves by 6 months, and by 12 months for 97% of infants |
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What You'll Learn
It's normal for newborns to move in their sleep
It is normal for newborns to move in their sleep. Newborns go through two different sleep cycles: quiet sleep and active sleep, spending about half of their sleeping time in each. During active sleep, babies are more likely to move, twitch, kick their legs, and make noises, including grunts and other vocalisations. This phase is when the brain is quite active, which is essential for their growth and development.
The Moro reflex, or startle reflex, is an involuntary response that newborns have to sudden changes in position, loud noises, or even their own movements. This is related to their immature nervous system and usually fades by 3 to 6 months as their nervous system matures. The Moro reflex can cause newborns to jerk or twitch during sleep, and swaddling may help to decrease this reflex and lower their chances of twitching.
While it may seem concerning, baby sleep twitching is relatively common and typically a normal part of their development. It is caused by benign neonatal sleep myoclonus, which is considered a sleep-related movement condition that happens primarily during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. This condition usually resolves itself as the child ages and is not a cause for concern unless it regularly disturbs their sleep.
It is important to establish healthy sleep habits and follow an age-appropriate sleep schedule to ensure your baby gets the restorative sleep they need. This includes limiting exposure to screens and blue light at least one hour before bed and following a consistent bedtime routine.
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Hypnic myoclonus is usually benign
It is common for newborns to kick their legs and make grunting sounds while sleeping. This is because newborns spend a lot of time in a sleep phase called "active sleep", which is part of their natural sleep cycle and differs from adult sleep. During active sleep, babies are more likely to move, twitch, kick their legs, and make noises, including grunts and other vocalizations. This is when the brain is quite active, which is essential for their growth and development.
In addition, babies may experience hypnic myoclonus, which is a condition in which children or sometimes adults have spasms in their sleep that can wake them up. This type of sleep twitching is usually benign and is caused by the Moro or startle reflex, which is related to their immature nervous system. The Moro reflex is an involuntary response that newborns exhibit in reaction to abrupt shifts in position, loud noises, or even their own movements. This reflex normally fades by 3 to 6 months as their nervous system matures.
Benign neonatal sleep myoclonus is a sleep-related movement disorder that primarily occurs during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. It can occur in all stages of sleep, but it is most common during the first few weeks of life. These movements are caused by the Moro or startle reflex, and while they may appear squirmy and uncomfortable, the baby may actually be enjoying a pleasant dream.
While hypnic myoclonus is usually benign, it can sometimes be a symptom of a more complex sleep disorder such as restless leg syndrome, which may require medical treatment. In addition, studies suggest that hypnic jerks may be a characteristic of certain illnesses and are more prevalent in people with chronic health conditions that interrupt sleep. Therefore, if you are concerned about your child's sleep, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.
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Night terrors and nightmares in babies
It is common for newborns to move around and make noises in their sleep, and this is usually nothing to worry about. This is known as "active sleep", which is a sleep phase that differs from adult sleep and is essential for a baby's growth and development. Babies are more likely to move, twitch, kick their legs, and make noises during active sleep. This is because their brains are more active during this phase.
The Moro reflex, or startle reflex, is also a common reason for newborns to jerk during sleep. This is an involuntary response to sudden changes in position, loud noises, or even their own movements. This reflex is caused by an immature nervous system and usually fades by 3 to 6 months as the nervous system matures.
However, if you are concerned about your baby's sleep movements, it may be helpful to understand the difference between night terrors and nightmares:
Night Terrors
Night terrors are when children suddenly become very agitated while in a state of deep sleep. They may look like they are awake, with open eyes or even crying, but they are still asleep. Children might also sit up, get out of bed, or run around during a night terror. They may talk, but it might not make sense. Night terrors can be alarming to witness, but they are not harmful, and children will not remember them in the morning. They usually last for 10-15 minutes and happen about 2-3 hours after falling asleep, during the non-rapid eye movement (NREM) stage of sleep.
If your child is having night terrors, it is important to avoid waking them as this will only cause confusion and disorientation. Instead, sit quietly near them to ensure they don't get hurt and wait patiently for them to go back to sleep. You can also try to gently wake your child about half an hour before the usual night terror time and resettle them. Establishing a regular bedtime routine can also help prevent night terrors.
Nightmares
Nightmares, on the other hand, are bad dreams that children wake up from and can remember. They tend to happen in the second half of the night when the child is sleeping lightly and dreaming. After a nightmare, a child might wake up, remember the nightmare, and feel upset.
If your baby wakes up frightened and crying after a nightmare, you can offer comfort and reassurance to help them calm down and feel safe. It is important to create a calm and relaxing bedtime routine to help your baby get the restful sleep they need.
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Sleep twitching and development
Sleep twitching in babies is a common phenomenon that can be startling for parents to witness but is usually harmless and indicative of developmental growth. The technical term for this occurrence is "sleep myoclonus", which translates to muscle twitching. It is considered a sleep-related movement condition that happens primarily during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. These movements are caused by the Moro or startle reflex, which is related to the immature nervous system of newborns.
Babies tend to spend a lot of time in a sleep phase called active sleep, which is part of their natural sleep cycle and differs from adult sleep. During active sleep, babies are more likely to move, twitch, kick their legs, and make noises such as grunts and other vocalizations. This phase is when the brain is quite active, which is essential for their growth and development. It is more common for newborns to jerk during sleep due to the Moro reflex, which is an involuntary response to sudden changes in position, loud noises, or even their movements. This reflex typically fades by 3 to 6 months as their nervous system matures.
While sleep twitching is generally benign, there are rare cases where medical attention may be necessary. Conditions such as epilepsy, febrile seizures, or infantile spasms can indicate a serious health issue requiring immediate treatment. Infantile spasms, for example, can appear as a series of short spasms about one to two seconds in length, occurring as frequently as 100 times a day. These spasms typically begin between 4 and 7 months of age but can occur anytime within the first few years of life. If parents are unsure about their baby's twitching, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for advice and potential further evaluation.
To promote healthy sleep habits and ensure babies get the restorative sleep they need, it is important to follow an age-appropriate sleep schedule. Additionally, limiting exposure to screens or blue light at least one hour before bedtime can help, as the wavelengths of light from these devices stimulate the brain and make it harder for babies to fall asleep.
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When to seek medical attention
It is common for newborns to kick their legs, twitch, and make grunting sounds while sleeping. This is known as active sleep, which is a part of their natural sleep cycle and differs from adult sleep. During active sleep, a baby's brain is quite active, which is essential for their growth and development.
However, if you are concerned about your baby's health, it is always best to seek medical advice. Here are some instances where you should seek medical attention:
- Respiratory issues: If your baby is struggling to breathe, you should seek immediate medical attention. Signs of respiratory distress include rapid breathing (more than 60 breaths per minute), grunting after each breath, or labored breathing with retractions (sucking in between or under the ribs).
- High fever: A high fever, especially when accompanied by nasal congestion, could indicate a serious condition such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
- Seizures: If your baby is experiencing abnormal eye movements along with body movements, this could indicate a seizure. If the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room.
- Persistent twitching: While benign neonatal sleep myoclonus is typically harmless, if you observe significant twitching when your baby is awake, it is worth mentioning to your pediatrician. An EEG can be performed to measure your baby's brain waves and ensure proper brain function.
- Night terrors: While less common in babies under 3 years old, night terrors can cause your baby to thrash in their sleep or cry inconsolably. If this occurs, do not wake them, but you can hold them to keep them safe until it passes.
- Other concerning symptoms: If your baby is making unusual sounds or movements that indicate sickness, discomfort, or distress, it is best to consult your pediatrician. Trust your instincts and seek medical advice if you have any concerns about your baby's health.
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Frequently asked questions
Your baby's sleep jumping could be due to a phenomenon called benign neonatal sleep myoclonus, which is characterised by involuntary and repetitive muscle jerks during sleep. It usually occurs within the first six months of life and tends to resolve on its own without treatment.
Sleep myoclonus is generally benign and not a cause for concern. It is not uncommon for parents to worry about sleep twitches, but these are usually harmless and indicative of your baby's developing nervous system. However, if you are concerned, it is best to consult a healthcare professional.
Sleep twitching is usually considered normal if it stops as soon as your baby wakes up. If you observe significant twitching when your baby is awake, it may be worth mentioning to your paediatrician.
To help your baby sleep better, you can follow an age-appropriate sleep schedule and avoid screens or blue light at least one hour before bedtime. Creating a sleep routine can also help improve your baby's sleep hygiene.
