Miya Pearson
It is common for newborns to shiver, twitch, or shake in their sleep. This is known as sleep myoclonus, or benign neonatal sleep myoclonus, and is generally harmless. It is caused by the baby's immature but rapidly developing neurological system, and usually resolves within a year. However, it can be difficult to distinguish benign neonatal sleep myoclonus from epilepsy, and if you are concerned about your newborn's shivering, it is important to speak to a medical professional.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Condition | Benign neonatal sleep myoclonus |
| Other Names | Benign sleep myoclonus of infancy, nocturnal myoclonus |
| Cause | The neurological system of babies is immature but rapidly developing |
| Occurrence | Happens when falling asleep or waking up |
| Movements | Twitching, shivering, shaking, jittering, flexing hands, feet, arms, legs, or face muscles |
| Age | Newborns, infants |
| Harmless | Yes |
| Treatment | No treatment is usually necessary |
| Resolution | Usually resolves within a year |
| Diagnosis | Brain wave measurement may be required to rule out epilepsy |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Shivering may be a benign condition known as sleep myoclonus
Shivering in newborns may be a benign condition known as sleep myoclonus or benign neonatal sleep myoclonus (BNSM). This is a rare sleep-related movement disorder that occurs in very young infants. It is characterised by myoclonic jerks or twitches that occur only during sleep and stop abruptly when the child is aroused. These movements most often occur in the arms, legs, or core, and less commonly in the face. They are usually symmetrical, involving muscle groups on both sides of the body, and may involve the whole body.
Episodes of jerks can last from a few seconds up to 20 minutes, and they can occur at different stages of sleep. In the majority of cases, the jerks stop spontaneously, and in some cases, they stop upon arousal. The myoclonic jerks may be triggered by repetitive noises or rocking, and they can be more prominent in response to loud sounds, touch, or attempts at passive restraint.
Benign neonatal sleep myoclonus is generally considered harmless and is believed to occur in otherwise healthy newborns without signs of neurological compromise. It is frequently confused with epileptic seizures during infancy, but brain waves in benign neonatal sleep myoclonus do not resemble those of seizures. Researchers have used electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) to investigate brain and muscle activity in babies with benign neonatal sleep myoclonus, and the results indicate normal brain activity.
While benign neonatal sleep myoclonus is typically not a cause for concern, it is important to monitor your baby's overall health and development. If you have any concerns or notice any unusual movements or behaviours, it is always best to consult your doctor or paediatrician.
Sleep Training Newborns: When Can You Start?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It could be a reflex, like the Moro reflex or tonic neck reflex
Shivering in newborns is often caused by reflexes such as the Moro reflex or the tonic neck reflex. The Moro reflex, or startle reflex, is an involuntary movement that occurs when a baby is startled by a loud noise or other environmental stimuli. The baby will extend their arms, legs, and fingers and arch their back for a few seconds. This reflex is common until the baby is between 3 and 6 months old.
The tonic neck reflex is another reflex that can cause shivering in newborns. This reflex is characterized by the baby's head and neck movements, which trigger corresponding movements in the baby's arms and legs. For example, if the baby's head turns to the right, the right arm and left leg will straighten, while the left arm and right leg will bend. This reflex typically resolves by the time the baby is 3 to 6 months old.
In addition to reflexes, shivering in newborns can also be caused by benign neonatal sleep myoclonus, which is a sleep-related movement disorder. This condition is characterized by myoclonic jerks or twitches that occur multiple times while the infant is sleeping. While it can look dramatic, most researchers believe it is harmless and resolves within a year. However, it is important to note that without measuring brain waves, it can be difficult to distinguish benign neonatal sleep myoclonus from epilepsy.
It is normal for newborns to exhibit shaky and twitchy movements, especially during the neonatal period when they are preparing to hold up their heads. These movements are typically a normal part of their development and help them learn about their limbs and what they can do. However, if you are concerned about your newborn's shivering, it is always best to consult a medical professional.
Crib Safety: Newborn Sleep and Why It's Safe
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It could be a sign of a seizure disorder
Shivering in newborns can be a natural part of their development, but it could also be a sign of a seizure disorder.
Newborns have immature yet rapidly developing neurological systems, which can cause them to twitch or move a lot in their sleep. These twitches are known as sleep myoclonus, or nocturnal myoclonus, and are usually harmless. They are often caused by reflexes, such as the Moro reflex or the tonic neck reflex, and typically stop when the baby wakes up.
However, in some cases, shivering or twitching in newborns can be a sign of a seizure disorder. Seizure disorders can include infantile spasms, benign familial neonatal convulsions, febrile seizures, or epilepsy. Infantile spasms are more serious and can last for a few seconds to several minutes, sometimes occurring in clusters. Febrile seizures can take place during an illness, accompanied by a rapid spike in temperature. Benign familial neonatal convulsions usually occur within the first few days of life and typically stop by 6 to 9 months of age. Epilepsy can also cause seizures, and it may be difficult to distinguish epilepsy from benign neonatal sleep myoclonus without measuring brain waves.
If you are concerned about your newborn's shivering or twitching, it is important to consult a medical professional. They can evaluate your baby's condition and determine if there is an underlying cause for concern.
Newborn Sleep Strategies: When Can Parents Rest Easy?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It could be caused by caffeine intake through breast milk
While moderate caffeine consumption by the mother generally does not affect her breastfed baby, caffeine does affect some babies. Breast milk can contain small traces of caffeine, with the amount varying from mother to mother. Caffeine also stays in a newborn's system for longer than an older baby's. In a 6-month-old baby, the half-life of caffeine is around 2.5 hours, but for a newborn, it is a few days.
If you are nursing and consuming excessive amounts of caffeine (e.g. 10 or more cups of coffee per day), your baby might experience negative side effects, including not sleeping, difficulty remaining asleep, or poor sleep patterns. Younger babies and those born prematurely are more sensitive to caffeine and break it down more slowly, so they may be more likely to be affected by the mother's caffeine consumption.
If you suspect that your caffeine intake is keeping your baby awake or causing them to shiver, you can try reducing your caffeine consumption to one cup of coffee per day or giving up caffeine altogether until your baby is older. If you are concerned about your baby's reaction to caffeine, consult your baby's healthcare provider for guidance.
When Can Newborns Start Using Blankets?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It could be a result of the baby's immature neurological system
Shivering in newborns can be a result of their immature neurological system. Babies are born with immature yet rapidly developing neurological systems, and this can cause them to shiver or move a lot. This is supported by Carolynne J. Harvey, a pediatric sleep specialist in Naples, Florida, who explains that "some researchers believe that twitches are part of a developmental process where your baby is learning about their limbs and what they can do".
The pathways that carry signals from the brain to the body are not yet fully developed in newborns, causing jerky and twitchy movements. As the baby's nervous system matures, these movements will become more fluid. By around 1 to 2 months old, the twitching will likely stop as the baby's nervous system matures.
The Moro reflex, or startle reflex, is a common reflex that can cause involuntary movements in newborns. This can be triggered by a loud noise or other environmental stimuli, and the baby may extend their arms, legs, and fingers and arch their back for a few seconds. This reflex is common until around 3 to 6 months of age. Swaddling or using a sleep sack can help reduce the reflex during naps.
While it can be worrying for parents to see their newborn shivering or twitching in their sleep, it is important to know that, in most cases, these movements are completely normal and harmless. They are usually a normal part of the baby's development and will often stop when the baby wakes up. However, if you are concerned, it is always best to consult a medical professional.
Sleep Training for Newborns: When to Start?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Newborns tend to shiver in their sleep due to benign neonatal sleep myoclonus, a harmless condition that causes involuntary twitching. It usually occurs when they are falling asleep or waking up and can be triggered by external stimuli like noise, movement, or light.
The most common symptom is twitching or shaking during sleep, which can include jerky movements of the arms, legs, hands, feet, or face muscles. These twitches usually last for a few seconds and stop when the baby wakes up.
To help your baby sleep better, you can try creating a calming bedtime routine, giving them a warm bath, using white noise, or following safe sleep practices. Swaddling or using a sleep sack can also help reduce involuntary movements.
While benign neonatal sleep myoclonus is typically harmless, it's important to monitor for other symptoms. If you notice frequent, prolonged, and consistent crying alongside the shaking, or if the twitching persists when the baby is awake, consult a doctor to rule out more serious conditions like seizures or epilepsy.
