It’s more common in childhood but can linger through adulthood.Newborn hiccupsare a form of myoclonus.

Most of the time, sleep myoclonus is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about.

This article discusses the symptoms, causes, and types of myoclonus.

Causes of Sleep Myoclonus

Verywell / Emily Roberts

What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Myoclonus?

The symptoms of sleep myoclonus are difficult to miss.

In addition to twitching and jerking, the signs might also be called shakes, spasms, or contractions.

It may be triggered by external stimuli such as noise, movement, or light.

What Are the Causes of Sleep Myoclunus?

Some known causes are more likely to affect certain age groups.

For example, one possible cause isParkinson’s, a disease that usually manifests after age 60.

During sleep atonia, brain signals that activate movements when you are awake begin to snooze for the night.

It’s not always a smooth transition, though.

Occasionally, a brain signal volleys with electricity, resulting in a muscle spasm.

What Is Restless Leg Syndrome?

It has been observed to occur with sleep myoclonus.

Although research on myoclonus condition in infants is limited, researchers believe it is harmless.

Positive myoclonus happens when muscles abruptly contract.

Negative myoclonus happens when muscles that are contracting suddenly stop.

They may also ask if you are experiencing any other new or unusual symptoms.

In most cases, however, treatment is not necessary if sleep is relatively normal.

Hiccups are a form of myoclonus.

With sleep myoclonus, this twitching or jerking occurs during sleep.

Sleep myoclonus doesn’t usually require treatment unless it interferes with sleep.

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