Colin Snow
Newborns can be very active in their sleep, moving around, making noises, and even opening their eyes. This is completely normal and is usually a result of their active dream cycles, the Moro reflex, or both. The Moro reflex is an involuntary response in newborns that can cause them to twitch or jerk suddenly, often in response to a change in position or a loud noise. Establishing a sleep routine can help newborns settle into a sleep-wake cycle that is more similar to adults, but this usually only happens after a few months.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common reasons | Moro Reflex, active dream states, development, common reflexes |
| Sleep patterns | Newborns go through two different sleep cycles: quiet sleep and active sleep, and they spend about half of their sleeping time in each |
| Sleep disorders | Benign neonatal sleep myoclonus, periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) |
| Sleep tips | Establish a sleep routine, put your baby to bed at the same time every night, always put your infant to sleep in the same environment |
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What You'll Learn
It's normal for newborns to move a lot in their sleep
It's completely normal for newborns to move a lot in their sleep. Newborns go through two different sleep cycles: quiet sleep and active sleep, and they spend about half of their sleeping time in each. Active sleep is similar to REM sleep for adults, but there is one key difference: during REM sleep, adults' skeletal muscles are paralysed, but newborns' muscles are not. As a result, babies move around, make noises like grunting or crying, and sometimes even open their eyes while they're sleeping.
Babies' sleep cycles are also different from adults' in that they move in and out of REM sleep more frequently, passing from a light to deep state of sleep much more easily than adults. This means that their sleep can be more easily disturbed, and they may cry, whimper, or move their head, arms, or legs around. After a few months, babies begin to sleep for longer periods without waking, although disturbed sleep may still occur.
The Moro reflex, or startle reflex, is another reason why newborns move around so much in their sleep. This is an involuntary response that can be triggered by a sudden position change, noise, or even the baby's own movements, and it usually disappears by the time the baby is around three to four months old. It's also related to the fact that newborns have immature nervous systems, which they will gradually gain more control over as they grow and develop.
In most cases, a newborn's jerkiness or twitching while sleeping can be related to development, dreams, or common reflexes. It's common for newborns to kick their legs and make grunting sounds while sleeping, and it's usually entirely normal. However, if you're ever concerned, it's best to consult your child's doctor.
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Babies have very active dreams
Babies move around a lot in their sleep, and one of the most common reasons for this is their active dream cycles. Babies spend about 50% of their sleep in REM sleep, which is the stage associated with dreaming. This is a much higher proportion than adults, who spend only 20% of their sleep in REM.
Babies' brains are extremely active during sleep, which is essential for their growth and development. While it is unclear if newborns dream, some scientists believe they do, and that they could be dreaming the most during the first two weeks of life. However, others argue that a baby's brain is not mature enough to start dreaming. Some suggest that any signs of dreaming are just their brains developing, and any sudden movements could be a result of the Moro reflex, a reflex in response to a sudden position change, noise, or their own movements.
Babies typically grow out of the Moro reflex around three or four months, and it is only when their brains develop well past this stage that they will start having dreams and nightmares. Psychologist David Foulkes's research with children found that toddlers' dreams are usually just snapshots, looking much more like a slideshow than a movie compared to the dreams of adults.
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Newborns have immature nervous systems
The Moro Reflex is a natural part of a newborn's development and helps them learn vital skills, such as digestion, even while they sleep. It is also related to their active sleep cycles, which differ from adult 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, which is similar to REM sleep in adults, newborns' skeletal muscles are not paralysed, allowing them to move around and make noise while sleeping.
Additionally, newborns' sleep patterns differ significantly from those of adults. They move in and out of REM sleep continuously, transitioning from light to deep sleep more easily than adults. As a result, their sleep can be more easily disturbed, and they may wake up due to discomfort, such as a wet nappy, hunger, or feeling too hot.
While newborn sleep movements are typically benign, there are rare cases where they may indicate a sleep disorder. Benign neonatal sleep myoclonus, for example, is characterised by fast, repetitive jerks of large muscles during sleep. This condition is generally considered harmless, but it can be difficult to distinguish from epilepsy without measuring brain waves.
If you are concerned about your newborn's sleep movements or they are disrupting your own sleep, it is recommended to consult a paediatrician or sleep specialist. Establishing a consistent sleep routine and environment can also help newborns settle into a healthier sleep-wake cycle.
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Babies may have benign neonatal sleep myoclonus
It is common for newborns to move around in their sleep. However, if your baby displays repetitive twitches during sleep, they may have benign neonatal sleep myoclonus. This condition is characterised by fast, repetitive jerks of large muscles, such as the arms, legs, and torso, during sleep. These movements are not related to medication use, neurological conditions, or sleep disorders. They are also not indicative of serious neurologic injuries or abnormalities.
Benign neonatal sleep myoclonus is a sleep-related movement disorder that occurs in very young infants. It is considered harmless, and episodes typically last from one to 15 minutes. The condition is believed to be caused by the body carrying out impulses due to the protective sheath around the baby's spinal cord not being fully developed. It may also be triggered by repetitive noises or rocking.
While benign neonatal sleep myoclonus is generally considered harmless, it can be difficult to distinguish from epilepsy without measuring brain waves. Researchers have used electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) to investigate brain and muscle activity in babies with benign neonatal sleep myoclonus. The readings indicate that while the muscles twitch, brain waves do not resemble those during a seizure.
If you notice unusual movements or are concerned about your baby's sleep patterns, it is important to consult your child's doctor for personalised advice and guidance.
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Consult a paediatrician if you're concerned
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 vocalizations. This is similar to REM sleep for adults, but with one key difference: while adults' skeletal muscles are paralysed during this stage, babies' muscles are not, allowing them to move around freely.
While these movements and noises can be alarming for new parents, they are typically a normal part of a baby's development. However, if you are ever concerned or notice something unusual, it is important to consult a paediatrician.
- If your baby displays repetitive twitches during sleep, they may have benign neonatal sleep myoclonus, a sleep-related movement disorder. While this condition is generally considered harmless, it can cause stress and anxiety for parents. A paediatrician can provide more information and guidance on managing this condition.
- If your baby exhibits unusual movements or sounds that indicate sickness, discomfort, or distress, it is important to seek medical advice. This includes rapid breathing (greater than 60 breaths per minute), struggling to breathe (retractions or grunting after each breath), or poor colour or tone (yellowish, bluish, or greyish skin).
- If your baby is not feeding well or experiencing poor colour or tone in addition to twitching, it is crucial to take them to the ER or their paediatrician as soon as possible.
- If you observe significant twitching when your baby is awake, it is recommended to mention this to your paediatrician.
Remember, every baby is unique, and it is always better to reach out to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your newborn's sleep patterns or movements. Your paediatrician is there to support you and provide guidance tailored to your child's specific needs.
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Frequently asked questions
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.
It is completely normal for babies to make noises and move around a lot at night. They will also make a lot of weird noises, including moaning. However, other noises can be an indication of sickness, discomfort, or distress.
Newborns sleep for 14-17 hours in every 24 hours. However, they sleep in short bursts of 2-3 hours each, and they wake frequently to feed.
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 reflex is normal and usually fades by 3 to 6 months as their nervous system matures.
If your baby's movements are disrupting their sleep, try to establish an age-appropriate sleep schedule and follow a bedtime routine. This may help build up their sleep drive and create a deeper, more restful sleep for them.
