Rhythmic movement disorder (RMD)

What is rhythmic movement disorder?

Sleep-related rhythmic movement disorder (RMD) involves repeated body movements. They happen while drowsy or asleep.

Rhythmic humming or other sounds are sometimes made along with the body movements. These sounds can be quite loud. It is typically seen in children. Some children with mild rhythmic movements may stop on their own, but in other children it can carry on until they are older.

What happens in RMD?

RMD happens when your child is falling asleep or almost asleep. They may also happen at any point in the night when your child partially wakes up, which can be a few times a night.

Sometimes, they may even appear during quiet activities when your child is awake, such as when your child is listening to music or travelling in the car.

What are the types of RMD?

There are a few types of RMD including:

• Rocking their entire body while on their hands and knees. They may also rock their upper body while sitting up.
• Banging their head hard into their mattress or into their pillow. It might also happen while your child is sitting up, banging their head against a headboard repeatedly.
• Rolling their head side to side while laid on their back.

They may just do 1 of these or they may do a combination of a few types of RMD at the same time.

What can I do to help my child?

RMD is more likely to happen in children with higher anxiety levels and sensory-seeking behaviours. There are some activities that may help with this at bedtime.

Pre-bedtime activities

Doing some of these activities before bed will get your child’s muscles working so they can get the stimulation feedback they are needing.  Activities can include:

• sweeping the floor
• wiping the table
• loading a washing basket (pushing and pulling it across the floor)
• gardening (raking and digging)
• using a watering can depending on their age. Encourage them to fill the watering can themselves. You can also try piercing holes in a milk carton
• carrying a rucksack of their favourite books and toys during the day
• using a weighted blanket during story time

Alternative stimulus ideas

Other things you can help your child at bedtime include:

• listening to music with a beat
• squeezing a stress ball
• rubbing legs together
• gentle gym ball workout
• medication can be helpful for around 50 percent of children with RMD
• the Safety Sleeper can help children with anxiety to feel safe at night
• seeking help from an occupational therapy referral

When should I consult a doctor?

Rhythmic movement is a common part of the way your child’s sleep process develops.

It is important to manage if the movements injure your child or stop them from sleeping well.

We can offer a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach to managing your child’s RMD.