If you’ve ever watched your baby sleep, you’ve probably noticed tiny movements, ranging from little jerky movements to flinches and twitches.
The truth twitching in infants while sleeping is usually normal, especially if your baby is a newborn. However, it’s completely understandable why parents wonder if these movements could indicate something more concerning.
Read on for answers on why do babies move so much in their sleep and when to worry if you see your baby or newborn twitching in sleep.
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What Causes Baby Twitching in Sleep?
If you’ve ever asked yourself why it’s normal to see your baby twitching while sleeping, the answer is usually yes. These sudden, brief movements are called sleep myoclonus and common in babies and often harmless.
There are many different reasons for twitching while sleeping, which we’ll review below.
Sleep cycles
Babies spend a significant amount of time in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, where the brain is highly active – much more than adults.
During this phase, slight movements – Iike a twitch in the right leg of a baby or jerky arm motions – are common and a sign that your baby’s brain is busy processing new experiences.
Neurological development
Newborns, which are babies aged 0-3 months, have immature nervous systems and yet to have control over their limbs. Their movements are often guided by reflex.
The Moro reflex, or startle reflex, often is triggered when a baby suddenly changes position, like when they are being transferred from sleeping while being held to the crib, or a noise.
If your baby is asleep when the Moro reflex is triggered, the baby startle reflex while sleeping may appear as their arms and legs jerking outwards. It typically calms down within a few months of life. Knowing how to swaddle correctly can help.
Twitching in older babies while sleeping is also linked to normal neurological development. The small muscle contractions can help them strengthen their brain-body connection and gain control over their arms, legs, and other muscles.
While it may seem like a baby constantly moving arms and legs while sleeping will cause them to wake up, this is not always the case.
Dreaming
Research suggests that newborn spasms in sleep occur could occur as their brains process sensory input and develop motor pathways. While it’s unclear if baby nightmares or dreams actually happen, some scientists believe that movements could be related.
While not common if under 18-months-old, night terrors in babies could cause twitching in sleep. It’s rare for your baby to wake up due to twitching from a night terror.
Discomfort
Another reason why babies move so much in their sleep could be to get comfortable. Babies usually can’t completely soothe themselves to sleep until after the 4th trimester, but you may notice them trying to find their hands to put in their mouth to calm down.
If you notice your newborn shivering while sleeping, make sure their sleep space is the ideal room temperature. A newborn can’t yet regulate their temperature, so their environment and how to dress for sleep are incredibly important.
Medical conditions
There are some conditions that could cause be why it seems your baby or newborn spasms in sleep or twitches in sleep.
For example, sometimes twitches can be confused with seizures. If you’re unclear if it’s your baby twitching in sleep or a seizure, seek medical attention immediately.
Periodic limb movement disorder can present as baby jerky movement while sleeping in their legs.
If your baby continues to twitch after they wake, or seems to twitch frequently, seek medical care.
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When Do Baby Twitches Become a Concern?
While infant twitching in sleep is typically normal, there are instances when parents should reach out to a healthcare provider.
If your infant or newborn spasms in sleep or right when they wake up, and it typically appears as twitches in your baby’s tummy, head, or limbs, and happens in clusters every few seconds, it could be signs of infantile spasms, a form of epilepsy. It often presents with other developmental delays.
If you’re unsure if it’s your baby twitching in sleep or seizure, consider whether the movements are rhythmic, repetitive, and/or don’t stop when you gently touch or reposition your baby. If the answers are yes, seek medical attention.
Additionally, if your infant shakes while sleeping persistently, or you notice any infant tremors while sleeping, and they don’t seem to lessen over time, reach out to your provider. While a newborn trembling while sleeping is normal, if they also frequently continue to tremble when awake, it could be sign of a medical condition and requires evaluation.
Finally, if you have a baby constantly moving arms and legs while sleeping in a way that seems excessive or wakes them up frequently, a simple change to their sleep schedule or environment may be needed to get them the rest they need to grow and thrive. Take this free 3-minute sleep quiz to see what your baby needs to sleep more soundly at night.
Note: If your baby has stiffness, difficulty waking, irregular breathing, or unusual eye movements, or your gut tells you something is wrong, seek immediate medical attention.
Tips for Parents of Baby Twitching in Sleep
While twitching in infants while sleeping is often normal, there are ways to help you baby sleep more soundly.
- Swaddle: Swaddling can help prevent your newborn from waking themselves from the Moro reflex (startle reflex) by keeping them nice and snug. However, stop swaddling the second your baby shows signs of rolling over, which often happens anytime between 2-months and 4-months, sometimes earlier.
- Follow Sleep Schedule: Your baby’s wake windows will naturally lengthen as they get older and more of their sleep happens at night. Following an age-appropriate sleep schedule (here are month-by-month schedules) that’s aligned to your little one’s circadian rhythm helps them sleep more soundly – and may reduce restlessness or twitching that could wake them up. Download the Smart Sleep Coach by Pampers app for a personalized schedule that updates in real-time depending on how sleep goes each day.
- Track Twitching: Keeping notes on how often your baby twitches can be helpful for your healthcare provider to determine if it’s normal twitching.
- Keep Nighttime Calm: In addition to a calming and consistent bedtime routine, ensure your baby’s room is the ideal temperature, pitch black, and quiet with the right type of sound machine that is best for baby.
Final Thoughts
It’s completely normal to notice baby jerky movements while sleeping.
Small twitches play a key role in their development. While most infant shakes while sleeping are harmless, always trust your instincts – if something feels off or persistent, check with your healthcare provider.
For the most part, these little twitches, flinches, and tremors are just another part of babyhood, helping your little one grow stronger each day!
