My Newborn Jerks and Twitches During Sleep
Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael Okonkwo, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Neonatologist
Content reviewed against published NIH, AAP, Cleveland Clinic guidelines
Last reviewed:
If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect my newborn jerks and twitches during sleep, here is what the evidence says.
The short answer
Benign neonatal sleep myoclonus is a harmless condition where newborns have rhythmic jerking or twitching movements during sleep. It looks alarming and can resemble seizures, but it is completely normal and resolves on its own within the first year. The key distinguishing feature is that the movements stop immediately when the baby wakes up.
Key takeaways
- Benign neonatal sleep myoclonus is a harmless condition where newborns have rhythmic jerking or twitching movements during sleep. It looks alarming and can resemble seizures, but it is completely normal and resolves on its own within the first year. The key distinguishing feature is that the movements stop immediately when the baby wakes up.
- Usually normal when: The jerking or twitching only happens during sleep and stops when baby wakes up
- Call your doctor if: The jerking or twitching continues after your baby wakes up or occurs while your baby is clearly awake and alert
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“Fever itself is not an illness — rather, it is a sign or symptom that the body is fighting an infection. Fever stimulates certain defenses, such as the white blood cells, which attack and destroy invading bacteria.”
Thousands of parents search for this exact thing. You are not alone.
What Parents Should Know
According to NIH, AAP, Cleveland Clinic guidelines, benign neonatal sleep myoclonus is a harmless condition where newborns have rhythmic jerking or twitching movements during sleep. It looks alarming and can resemble seizures, but it is completely normal and resolves on its own within the first year. The key distinguishing feature is that the movements stop immediately when the baby wakes up. At 0-2 weeks, benign neonatal sleep myoclonus typically begins within the first two weeks of life. You may notice rhythmic jerking of the arms, legs, or whole body that occurs only during sleep. The movements can last a few seconds to several minutes and may repeat in clusters. This is very common and does not indicate any neurological problem. It is generally considered normal when the jerking or twitching only happens during sleep and stops when baby wakes up. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if the jerking or twitching continues after your baby wakes up or occurs while your baby is clearly awake and alert.
Normal vs. Concerning
When to Seek Immediate Care
- The jerking or twitching continues after your baby wakes up or occurs while your baby is clearly awake and alert
- Your baby seems less responsive, feeds poorly, or is not meeting developmental milestones
- The movements only affect one side of the body or are accompanied by eye rolling, color changes, or breathing difficulties
By Age
What to expect by age
0-2 weeks
Benign neonatal sleep myoclonus typically begins within the first two weeks of life. You may notice rhythmic jerking of the arms, legs, or whole body that occurs only during sleep. The movements can last a few seconds to several minutes and may repeat in clusters. This is very common and does not indicate any neurological problem.
2 weeks - 3 months
The jerking episodes may continue during this period and can be quite frequent, sometimes occurring multiple times during a single nap. The key reassuring sign is that if you gently wake your baby or the baby wakes on their own, the movements stop immediately. True seizures do not stop when a baby is woken. Your baby's EEG, if performed, will be completely normal.
3-6 months
Most babies begin to outgrow sleep myoclonus during this period. The episodes typically become less frequent and less intense. If your baby is developing normally, feeding well, and the movements only happen during sleep, this is following the expected pattern of resolution.
6-12 months
By this age, benign neonatal sleep myoclonus has usually resolved completely. If your baby is still having significant jerking movements during sleep at this age, your pediatrician may want to investigate further to ensure there is no other cause, though late resolution is still possible.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed my newborn jerks and twitches during sleep and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you want your pediatrician to confirm that the movements are benign sleep myoclonus rather than seizures.
- Mention if the episodes are very frequent or seem to be increasing in intensity.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- The jerking or twitching only happens during sleep and stops when baby wakes up
- Your baby is otherwise healthy, feeding well, and developing normally
- The movements are rhythmic and involve both sides of the body
- Your baby appears completely normal and alert when awake
- The episodes began within the first two weeks of life
- You want your pediatrician to confirm that the movements are benign sleep myoclonus rather than seizures
- The episodes are very frequent or seem to be increasing in intensity
- You are unsure whether the movements are happening only during sleep or also when your baby is awake
- The jerking or twitching continues after your baby wakes up or occurs while your baby is clearly awake and alert
- Your baby seems less responsive, feeds poorly, or is not meeting developmental milestones
- The movements only affect one side of the body or are accompanied by eye rolling, color changes, or breathing difficulties
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice my newborn jerks and twitches during sleep — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that the jerking or twitching only happens during sleep and stops when baby wakes up — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-2 weeks, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Follow any care instructions from your pediatrician. Keep a written log of symptoms to bring to appointments.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if the jerking or twitching continues after your baby wakes up or occurs while your baby is clearly awake and alert.
Related Resources
Frequently asked questions
Is my newborn jerks and twitches during sleep normal?
When should I call the doctor about my newborn jerks and twitches during sleep?
When is my newborn jerks and twitches during sleep normal?
What causes my newborn jerks and twitches during sleep?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about my newborn jerks and twitches during sleep?
Is my newborn jerks and twitches during sleep normal at 0-2 weeks?
Is my newborn jerks and twitches during sleep normal at 2 weeks - 3 months?
Should I go to the ER for my newborn jerks and twitches during sleep?
Does my newborn jerks and twitches during sleep go away on its own?
References
- [1]National Library of Medicine. Benign Neonatal Sleep Myoclonus. StatPearls, 2024. NIH
- [2]American Academy of Pediatrics. Neonatal Seizures and Nonepileptic Paroxysmal Events. NeoReviews, 2021. AAP
- [3]Cleveland Clinic. Myoclonus in Infants: When to Worry. Cleveland Clinic
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Newborn Jerks and Twitches During Sleep.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed my newborn jerks and twitches during sleep and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you want your pediatrician to confirm that the movements are benign sleep myoclonus rather than seizures.
- Mention if the episodes are very frequent or seem to be increasing in intensity.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- You want your pediatrician to confirm that the movements are benign sleep myoclonus rather than seizures
- The episodes are very frequent or seem to be increasing in intensity
- You are unsure whether the movements are happening only during sleep or also when your baby is awake
Urgent signs to report immediately
- The jerking or twitching continues after your baby wakes up or occurs while your baby is clearly awake and alert
- Your baby seems less responsive, feeds poorly, or is not meeting developmental milestones
- The movements only affect one side of the body or are accompanied by eye rolling, color changes, or breathing difficulties
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of my newborn jerks and twitches during sleep are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if the jerking or twitching continues after your baby wakes up or occurs while your baby is clearly awake and alert.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
Was this page helpful?
Related Medical Concerns
My Baby's Head Shape Looks Abnormal
Many babies develop temporary head shape irregularities that are completely normal. A cone-shaped head from vaginal delivery reshapes within days. Mild positional flattening (plagiocephaly) from sleeping on the back is very common and usually improves with repositioning and tummy time. However, head shape changes involving ridges, a persistently bulging fontanelle, or rapid head growth changes should be evaluated to rule out craniosynostosis.
Achondroplasia (Dwarfism) in Babies
Achondroplasia is the most common form of short-limbed dwarfism, affecting about 1 in 15,000 to 40,000 births. It is caused by a mutation in the FGFR3 gene and is usually apparent at birth with characteristic features including short limbs, a larger head, and a prominent forehead. Intelligence is normal. With monitoring for specific complications and supportive care, children with achondroplasia lead full, active, and independent lives.
Adenoid Hypertrophy and Breathing
Adenoids are lymphoid tissue located behind the nose that help fight infection in young children. When adenoids become enlarged (adenoid hypertrophy), they can block the nasal airway, causing chronic mouth breathing, snoring, nasal speech, and sleep-disordered breathing. Enlarged adenoids are most common between ages 2-7 and are a leading cause of obstructive sleep apnea in young children. Treatment ranges from watchful waiting and nasal steroids to surgical removal (adenoidectomy) if breathing or sleep is significantly affected.
Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) in Babies
X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a genetic disorder affecting about 1 in 17,000 newborns, caused by mutations in the ABCD1 gene on the X chromosome. It primarily affects boys and impairs the breakdown of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs), which accumulate and damage the myelin sheath in the brain and the adrenal glands. The most severe form, cerebral ALD, typically affects boys between ages 4-10 with rapid neurological decline. Newborn screening now enables early detection, and hematopoietic stem cell transplant or gene therapy performed before significant brain involvement can be life-saving.
How to Advocate for Your Child's Needs
You know your child better than anyone, and your observations matter. If you feel something is not right with your child's development or health, you have every right to ask questions, request evaluations, and seek second opinions. Advocating for your child is not being difficult - it is being a good parent.
Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum (ACC)
Agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) is a condition in which the corpus callosum — the bundle of nerve fibers connecting the left and right hemispheres of the brain — fails to develop partially or completely. It occurs in approximately 1 in 4,000 births and is one of the most common brain malformations. ACC can be detected on prenatal ultrasound or postnatal MRI. Outcomes vary enormously: some individuals with isolated ACC have normal intelligence and minimal difficulties, while others (especially when ACC occurs alongside other brain abnormalities or genetic syndromes) may have significant developmental delays. The variability means that prenatal counseling and postnatal monitoring are both essential.