Miya Pearson
It can be distressing to see your baby shaking in their sleep, but rest assured that it is a common occurrence. The medical term for baby sleep twitching is benign neonatal sleep myoclonus, a sleep-related movement condition that happens during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. It is caused by the Moro or startle reflex, which babies typically grow out of around three to six months. If you are concerned about shaky movements or suspect seizures, it is always best to contact your pediatrician.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medical term | Benign neonatal sleep myoclonus |
| Cause | Issues with dopamine |
| Occurrence | First few weeks of life, but can occur in all stages of sleep |
| Symptoms | Rhythmic twitching, vibration of limbs, flailing arms or legs |
| Treatment | Drug tetrabenazine |
| Prevention | Swaddling or using a sleep sack |
| Other causes | Caffeine, being cold, low blood sugar, hunger, crying |
| Warning signs | Abnormal eye movement, trouble breathing, blue/purple/grey skin, seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes |
| Serious conditions | Infantile spasms, shaken baby syndrome |
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What You'll Learn
- Shaking may be benign sleep myoclonus, a common condition in newborns
- It could be a response to external stimuli, such as noise, movement or light
- If shaking is frequent and prolonged, it may be a sign of low blood sugar
- Shaking could indicate infantile spasms, a rare form of epilepsy
- Forceful shaking by a parent or caregiver can be dangerous and cause injuries —gentle rocking is best
Shaking may be benign sleep myoclonus, a common condition in newborns
Shaking in one-year-olds during sleep can be benign sleep myoclonus, a common condition in newborns. This condition is characterised by involuntary twitching or jerking of muscles, typically occurring as the child is falling asleep. It is often referred to as hypnic myoclonus or sleep myoclonus and is usually benign, causing no harm to the child.
Benign sleep myoclonus is considered a sleep-related movement condition that happens primarily during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. It can also occur during all stages of sleep and is more common in childhood but can continue into adulthood. The twitching and jerking movements associated with sleep myoclonus can be alarming for parents, but they are generally harmless and part of the child's developing nervous system.
The exact cause of sleep myoclonus is not fully understood, but researchers have several theories. One theory relates to sleep atonia, the natural process where muscles become paralysed as an individual falls into a deeper sleep. During this transition, brain signals that activate movements during wakefulness may misfire, resulting in muscle spasms. Another theory suggests that sleep myoclonus is related to dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter in the brain.
While benign sleep myoclonus usually resolves itself and does not require treatment, it can negatively impact a child's sleep quality. If the condition interferes with sleep, causing frequent disruptions and affecting the child's quality of life, treatment options such as the drug tetrabenazine can be considered to improve sleep.
If parents are concerned about their child's shaking or twitching during sleep, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional, such as a paediatrician. They may suggest performing an electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure the child's brain waves and rule out any underlying issues.
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It could be a response to external stimuli, such as noise, movement or light
It is common for babies to make unusual sounds and movements in their sleep, especially in the early newborn days. These twitches or spasms are usually a normal part of their development. Lyndsey Garbi, a New York City-based pediatrician, explains that "seeing them twitch may be concerning, but as long as it is short-lived and your baby is overall healthy, it's usually normal."
These movements can be a response to external stimuli such as noise, movement, or light. For instance, a loud noise or touch can trigger benign sleep myoclonus. This phenomenon is characterised by rhythmic twitching or vibrations of the limbs, which usually occur at the beginning of sleep. It is considered harmless and typically resolves within a year.
The Moro or startle reflex, which is common in newborns, can also cause involuntary movements in response to external stimuli. If a baby is suddenly surprised by a loud noise or another environmental stimulus, they might extend their arms, legs, and fingers and arch their back for a few seconds. This reflex usually disappears by the time the baby is between three and six months old.
While these movements are usually benign, there are some instances where medical attention may be necessary. For example, if your baby is experiencing frequent, prolonged, and consistent crying along with shaking, it may be a cause for concern and you should consult a doctor. Additionally, if you suspect seizures or are concerned about shaky movements, it is recommended to contact your pediatrician for advice and guidance.
If you are concerned about your baby's sleep or notice any unusual movements, it is always best to seek professional advice from a healthcare provider. They can provide specific recommendations and guidance based on your baby's individual needs and circumstances.
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If shaking is frequent and prolonged, it may be a sign of low blood sugar
Shaking or twitching during sleep is common among babies and is usually a harmless phenomenon called benign neonatal sleep myoclonus. However, if the shaking is frequent and prolonged, it may indicate a more serious underlying issue, such as low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is a condition where the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood drops too low. Glucose is the primary source of fuel for the body and the brain.
Low blood sugar can be caused by various factors, including dietary habits, illness, and physical activity levels. For example, if your child skips meals, delays meals, or does not consume enough carbohydrate-rich foods, their blood sugar levels may decrease. Additionally, illnesses that cause loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting can lead to low blood sugar. Increased physical activity without adjusting food intake or diabetes medication can also contribute to hypoglycemia.
The symptoms of low blood sugar can vary, but they tend to worsen as blood sugar levels continue to drop. Some common signs of hypoglycemia include a blue tint to the skin or lips, lethargy, and a lack of interest in feeding. In severe cases, hypoglycemia can lead to seizures and serious brain injuries. Therefore, it is crucial to address frequent and prolonged shaking in your one-year-old by consulting a healthcare professional.
To treat low blood sugar, it is recommended to give your child something sugary to eat or drink, such as orange juice, milk, or cake icing. This will help raise their blood sugar levels quickly. After that, follow up with a snack containing complex carbohydrates, fat, and protein, such as a peanut butter sandwich on whole-grain bread. It is also essential to monitor your child's blood sugar levels regularly, especially at night, as the risk of seizures due to low blood sugar is highest during sleep.
While benign sleep myoclonus is generally harmless and resolves within a year, it is always better to be cautious and seek medical advice if you are concerned about your child's well-being. Keeping a record of any suspicious activities and sharing them with your child's pediatrician can help address any underlying issues and provide much-needed reassurance.
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Shaking could indicate infantile spasms, a rare form of epilepsy
Shaking in sleep is a common occurrence in babies and is usually harmless. However, in rare cases, it could indicate a serious condition such as infantile spasms, a form of epilepsy.
Infantile spasms are a seizure disorder that affects babies, typically under 12 months old. They are characterised by brief spells of tensing or jerking movements, often occurring in clusters or series. These seizures may be subtle and easily confused with normal baby behaviours, such as colic. However, infantile spasms can have long-term developmental and neurological implications, with many children developing other types of seizures and epilepsy later in life.
The exact causes of infantile spasms vary and are sometimes unknown. They can be caused by problems with brain development in the womb, infections, brain injuries, abnormal blood vessels in the brain, metabolic disorders, genetic disorders, or, in rare cases, vitamin B6 deficiency. A careful history of the spells, including their appearance, frequency, and any accompanying symptoms, is essential for diagnosis. An electroencephalogram (EEG) can also help confirm the diagnosis by evaluating the electrical activity in the brain.
If you suspect your baby is experiencing infantile spasms, it is crucial to seek medical advice as soon as possible. Early recognition and treatment lead to better outcomes. Treatment options include steroid therapy, anti-seizure medications, special diets, and, in some cases, surgery.
While shaking during sleep can be a normal part of a baby's development, it is always better to be cautious and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns. They can provide guidance, recommend appropriate treatments, and offer support to address any underlying conditions.
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Forceful shaking by a parent or caregiver can be dangerous and cause injuries —gentle rocking is best
It is common for babies to shake or twitch in their sleep. This is called benign neonatal sleep myoclonus, a sleep-related movement condition that happens primarily during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. It can also occur due to the Moro reflex, or startle reflex, which is common until the age of 3 to 6 months. However, if you notice abnormal eye movements along with body movements, trouble breathing, or blue, purple, or gray skin, seek immediate medical attention.
While it is normal for babies to shake or twitch in their sleep, forceful shaking by a parent or caregiver can be dangerous and cause injuries. Shaken baby syndrome is a type of child abuse and severe brain injury that occurs when a baby or small child is violently shaken. It can cause learning disabilities, behaviour disorders, vision problems, hearing and speech issues, seizures, cerebral palsy, serious brain injury, and permanent disability. In some cases, it can even be fatal.
The impact of shaken baby syndrome kills the baby's brain cells and prevents oxygen from reaching the brain. This can result in long-lasting and serious complications, requiring lifelong care and therapy. It is important for parents and caregivers to understand the dangers of shaking a baby, even for a few seconds. Crying is a normal behaviour in babies, and there are other ways to soothe an inconsolable baby, such as checking their diaper, offering a bottle or pacifier, or making noise.
Gentle rocking is best when interacting with a baby or small child. Bouncing a baby on your knee, tossing them in the air, or bicycling with them are not caused by shaken baby syndrome, but these activities can still be dangerous and should be avoided. If you are feeling stressed or frustrated while caring for a child, it is important to seek support or ask a trusted caregiver for help.
As a parent or caregiver, it is crucial to understand the normal movements and behaviours of babies to ensure their safety and well-being. While shaking or twitching in sleep is usually harmless, forceful shaking can have devastating consequences. Always err on the side of caution and consult a healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your baby's movements or development.
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Frequently asked questions
Your baby's shaking in their sleep could be due to benign sleep myoclonus, a condition in which children experience spasms in their sleep, usually at the beginning of sleep. This phenomenon is relatively common and is caused by issues with dopamine.
Babies may look squirmy and uncomfortable when experiencing myoclonus, but they are not disturbed and may even be enjoying a nice dream. Myoclonus can manifest as rhythmic twitching, similar to hiccups, or as a vibration of the limbs.
Benign sleep myoclonus usually occurs in the first few weeks of life but can happen at any stage of sleep. It usually resolves within a year, and there are no inherent consequences or reasons for concern.
If your baby's twitching is benign sleep myoclonus, the symptoms will stop when they are woken up. Additionally, an EEG can be performed to measure your baby's brain waves and ensure proper brain function.
If you are concerned about shaky movements or suspect seizures, don't hesitate to contact your paediatrician. It is often helpful to record the suspicious activity and bring the video to your paediatrician to view and recommend proper treatment if needed.
