Miya Pearson
It is completely normal for babies and toddlers to move around a lot in their sleep. This is especially true for newborns, who 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 phase is essential for their growth and development, as their brains are still working hard to learn vital skills. As they grow older, they will gradually shift into more adult-like sleep cycles, and you will notice that they move around less. However, it is still common for toddlers to move excessively in their sleep, and they will usually outgrow this by school age.
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What You'll Learn
It's normal for babies and toddlers to move in their sleep
It is completely normal for babies and toddlers to move in their sleep. Babies experience two types of sleep: REM sleep and NREM sleep. During active sleep, babies are more likely to move, twitch, kick their legs, and make noises. This is because their brains are active, which is essential for their growth and development. The Moro reflex, an involuntary response to sudden changes in position, loud noises, or their own movements, can also cause babies to move in their sleep. This reflex usually fades by 3 to 6 months as their nervous system matures.
Additionally, sleep-related rhythmic movements, such as turning over or head banging, are also normal and usually stop by the age of 5. Benign neonatal sleep myoclonus, which causes sudden movements of the arms, legs, and face during sleep, typically disappears by 6 months. These movements are simply a result of the infant's brain being active. While it is normal for babies to move in their sleep, it is important to establish a healthy sleep schedule and routine to ensure they are getting the restorative sleep they need.
Toddlers may also move excessively in their sleep, and this is usually nothing to worry about. They may roll around, sit up, flop back down, kick their legs, and then fall back asleep. Toddlers may be more active at certain times of the night, such as after 4 am when they are not in a deep sleep. Most toddlers will outgrow this excessive movement by the time they start school. If you are bed-sharing with your toddler and their movements are disturbing your sleep, it may be helpful to create some space between you and your child.
If you are concerned about your baby or toddler's sleep movements, it is always best to consult your doctor. They can help determine if there are any underlying causes for the restlessness or if there are any sleep disorders present. Additionally, sleep regression may be a factor for toddlers around 16-18 months old. This can be combated by maintaining a consistent bedtime routine and involving your child in the process.
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Night terrors and nightmares can cause babies to move in their sleep
If your 16-month-old is experiencing night terrors, there are a few things you can do to help. Firstly, try to remain calm and speak to your child in a soft and quiet voice. You can also try to direct them away from any objects they might knock over or run into. If your child is thrashing around, you can put pillows or blankets between them and their crib to help keep them safe. It is generally not recommended to wake your child during a night terror, but you can hold them to keep them safe until it passes.
Nightmares are also common in toddlers and young children and can cause them to move in their sleep. Unlike night terrors, nightmares occur during REM sleep, which is a deeper stage of sleep. While it is normal for toddlers to experience nightmares, they can become disruptive and affect your child's sleep and development.
If your child is having nightmares, you can help them settle back down by holding them, rubbing their back, and reassuring them that they are safe. You can also try to encourage your child to fall back asleep in their own room, rather than bringing them into your bed every time. As your child gets older, you can ask them to describe their nightmare after they have calmed down, which can help you understand their fears and how to address them.
In general, it is important to establish a consistent and relaxing bedtime routine for your child. This includes following an age-appropriate sleep schedule and avoiding screen time before bed. Reducing stress in your child's life and ensuring they feel safe in their sleep environment can also help to reduce the occurrence of night terrors and nightmares.
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Sleep apnea can cause restlessness during sleep
Sleep apnea is a condition that causes disrupted breathing during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common form of sleep apnea in toddlers aged 12-24 months. OSA severity is categorized by the frequency of obstructive apnea-hypopnea events per hour, ranging from mild to severe. The condition is characterized by partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, leading to disrupted breathing and reduced oxygen levels in the body.
Additionally, sleep apnea can cause fragmented sleep and affect the quality of sleep. This may further contribute to restlessness as the child may not be achieving sufficient deep sleep or progressing through the normal sleep stages. The frequent arousals and sleep fragmentation can result in excessive daytime sleepiness, making the child more prone to moving during sleep.
Furthermore, sleep apnea can trigger the body's stress response due to the repeated episodes of asphyxia. This can lead to increased restlessness during sleep as the child may experience heightened arousal and sympathetic nervous system activation. The stress response can also contribute to sleep fragmentation and further disrupt the normal sleep architecture.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional if you suspect your 16-month-old may have sleep apnea or exhibit concerning sleep behaviors. A sleep study may be recommended to assess for sleep apnea and determine the most appropriate treatment options to improve your child's sleep quality and overall well-being.
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The Moro reflex causes newborns to jerk during sleep
It is completely normal for a 16-month-old to move in their sleep. Babies can fidget, twitch, wince, moan, kick, and make all sorts of other noises and movements while asleep. This is most likely because they are dreaming.
The Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, is a newborn's involuntary response to a loud noise, sudden movement, or even their own movements. It is a typical development milestone in newborn babies that usually fades by 3 to 6 months as their nervous system matures. It is one of several normal reflexes that healthy babies are born with. The absence of the Moro reflex in newborn infants is abnormal and may indicate an injury or disease.
When a newborn exhibits the Moro reflex, they will suddenly arch their back, fling their arms up and out, and open their hands. They will then draw up their knees and bring their arms and fists close to their body. This response is a newborn's first attempt to protect themselves and regain their sense of balance. While it may be jarring to witness, it does not bother the baby at all and is an indication that they are healthy and developing as they should.
The Moro reflex is triggered by several factors, including:
- Unexpected movements, such as shifting the baby's head position or moving them from a car seat to a bassinet.
- Loud, sudden noises like a dog barking or something crashing to the floor.
- Bright lights, especially when turned on in a previously dark or dim room.
- The sensation of falling, which can be triggered when putting the baby down in their bassinet or crib.
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Maintaining a sleep-wake schedule can help reduce sleep disturbances
It is normal for 16-month-old toddlers to move around in their sleep. This could be due to dreaming, the Moro reflex, or night terrors. While it may be concerning for parents, this sleep behaviour is usually nothing to worry about. However, if you are co-sleeping and your toddler's movements are disturbing your sleep, you may need to create some space between you and your child. This can be done without ending bed-sharing if you are not ready for that step.
- Consistency is key: Keep the same sleep schedule every day of the week, including weekends. Avoid significant variations in sleep patterns, as this can disrupt your toddler's sleep.
- Establish a bedtime routine: Develop a consistent and positive bedtime routine. This can include activities such as reading books, getting into pyjamas, and brushing teeth. You can also use a bedtime checklist with pictures or cards to help your toddler follow the routine. Once the routine is established, stick to it and avoid adding more activities.
- Determine the right bedtime: Figure out your toddler's average fall-asleep time by recording their bedtime for a week. Gradually adjust their bedtime to a preferred time that works for your family, making sure it aligns with their natural sleepiness.
- Incorporate "jobs" and choices: Toddlers at this age want to play an active role in their experiences. Offer limited choices, such as selecting their pyjamas or getting their toothbrush. This empowers them to participate in the bedtime process.
- Use a mantra: If your toddler is in a crib, you can repeat a calming phrase like, "good night, I love you, it's time to sleep," when they make requests or wake up during the night. Avoid engaging in conversations, and simply repeat the mantra as needed.
- Create a safe sleep environment: Ensure your toddler's sleep environment is positive and comfortable. This may include letting them take a blanket from their cot or introducing a pillow (usually after 18 months of age). A secure and familiar environment can help them self-settle and feel more grounded during sleep.
- Address sleep regression: The 16-month mark can be a period of sleep regression for toddlers. Be responsive to their needs and cues, and maintain emotional and physical availability if they become distressed. Work on developing positive sleep routines that suit your family's dynamics.
- Mealtime considerations: Keep mealtimes consistent and avoid late-night eating. When kids wake up late, they tend to eat most of their meals later in the day, which can lead to hunger at night.
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Frequently asked questions
It is completely normal for babies and toddlers to move a lot in their sleep. They may also make unusual noises, twitch, moan, kick, and cry out. This is usually nothing to worry about.
Babies and toddlers move a lot in their sleep due to reflexes, and because they are learning about their limbs and what they can do. They also move a lot when they are dreaming.
If your baby's movements are disrupting their sleep, you could try establishing an age-appropriate sleep schedule and following a bedtime routine. This may help build up their sleep drive and create a deeper, more restful sleep.
In rare cases, your baby's sleep movements could be a sign of Pediatric Periodic Limb Movement Disorder, which is a rare medical condition where a baby or child's leg will jerk repeatedly in their sleep, usually around every 20-40 seconds. If you are concerned about your baby's sleep movements, consult your paediatrician.
Most children outgrow their sleep movements by the time they start school. Introducing a pillow after 18 months can help to ground your child and reduce their sleep movements.
