Does rocking before sleep increase the likelihood of Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) during sleep?

Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) involves repetitive movements like body rocking or head banging during sleep. According to the provided references, RMD is more common in children and can sometimes continue into adolescence. While rocking before sleep is a behavior that some people find soothing, it does not necessarily cause RMD.

Key Points:

• RMD Characteristics: Children with RMD often display repetitive movements such as body rocking, head banging, or head rolling, especially during the transition to sleep.
• Rocking as a Soothing Behavior: Rocking before sleep is a common self-soothing behavior and is not inherently harmful. However, if these movements become disruptive or persist into later childhood, they may be classified as RMD.
• Age Factor: RMD is more prevalent in children and tends to decrease with age. Persistent cases into adolescence are less common but do occur.

If you are concerned about sleep-related movements, it may be helpful to consult a healthcare professional for guidance. For mental health support, please visit 988lifeline.org.