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Rhythmic Movement Disorder

Rhythmic movement disorder (RMD) is a common condition in infants and young children. The disorder consists of head or body rolling or rocking back and forth just before falling asleep. More than 60 percent of infants experience at least some degree of RMD during their first year, but less than 20 percent of children are still performing these bedtime rhythmic rituals at age 4. In most cases RMD does not require special treatment.

  1. Causes

    • The exact cause of RMD is not known, but there are several factors that may increase your child's risk of developing the condition, including having a sibling or other close family member with the condition. Sleep disruptions--such as those due to noise, breathing problems or medical conditions that cause discomfort--also increase the likelihood of RMD.

    Risk Factors

    • The majority of preschool-age children who have rhythmic movement disorder are otherwise healthy. However, children with autism and other developmental disabilities are more likely to be affected by RMD. The repetitive movement may be a gratifying form of self-stimulation, especially if the child is developmentally delayed or suffers from emotional problems.

    Effects

    • RMD usually occurs during the shift from wakefulness to sleep or from sleep to wakefulness. When these repetitive movements occur, they typically last from one to five minutes. The child may demonstrate these movements in order to attract his parents' attention while going to sleep at night.

    Symptoms

    • A child with rhythmic body disorder may forcibly move her head in a back and forward direction; the entire body may be rocked while the child is on her hands and knees. Sometimes the whole body is moved laterally while the child is lying on her back. These movements may take place while the child is drowsy or asleep.

    Treatment

    • Usually, children outgrow RMD without treatment. When children with RMD display aggressive movement, it can be beneficial to use protective padding in the bed or crib. In severe cases a doctor may prescribe clonazepam (a potent anti-convulsant and muscle relaxant) or citalopram (an anti-depressant medication that is also used to treat anxiety).

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