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Rhythmic Movement Disorder

Description

Rhythmic movement disorder is a condition characterized by repetitive rocking or banging motions immediately before the onset of sleep and into light sleep. Examples of this behavior include, but are not limited to, repeatedly lifting head or torso and banging it on the pillow/bed; moving the head back and forth in a “head banging” motion; repeatedly hitting the front part of the head into the headboard of the bed; or repeatedly rolling the head, body, or appendages.
Although parents may mistake some of the acts as self-harming (such as repeatedly hitting head off headboard), this condition is quite common in infants between the ages of six months and three years, especially in males. In fact, some statistics show that some sort of rhythmic movement is found in two-thirds of all infants at nine months.

Diagnosis

This condition is characterized by periods of repetitive body movements, usually lasting less than fifteen minutes, as the young child enters into a light sleep. These movements usually involve rocking, banging, and rolling motions of the head and neck, and occasionally the torso or legs. In addition the child may make verbal sounds along with the repetitive movements, like humming or chanting.

Treatment

Because this is a very common and relatively harmless condition, there is no treatment. Before the age of five, the condition usually resolves itself. If the movements involving the head are particularly violent, it may be wise to use protective padding the child’s crib or bed. If, however, the condition persists past early childhood, it may be wise to get tests to see if the condition is related to autism, hyperactivity, or epilepsy.

Source: Adapted from International Classification of Sleep Disorders Diagnostic & Coding Manual, American Academy of Sleep Medicine.