Motor Restlessness in Children

Written by Maria Bæktoft van Weert, sleep coach and physiotherapist

Motor restlessness is becoming an increasingly well-known phenomenon. It’s a general term used to describe when a child seeks stimulation of their senses. Many children experience motor restlessness to varying degrees, and it can manifest in different ways – especially during phases when the child is learning new motor skills.

Most people likely associate motor restlessness with a child who frequently and uncontrollably moves their arms and legs, struggles to lie still, and appears generally unsettled. In some cases, the restlessness may become more pronounced at bedtime or during sleep, where the child moves around without being fully awake. However, motor restlessness does not always mean that a child is physically restless – it may also show itself in a strong need to be swaddled or rocked to sleep. In essence, motor restlessness is a sign that a child seeks sensory input to calm their body and transition into sleep.

A sensory-seeking child may, for example:

  • feel the need to move frequently    
  • have a strong desire to be rocked    
  • display a high need for sucking

It’s important to emphasize that motor restlessness is quite common. In cases where a child is especially restless or sensory seeking, they may struggle more with processing sensory input. This can directly affect their ability to settle at bedtime and/or remain asleep, particularly if this sensory imbalance is the underlying cause of disrupted sleep.

As a parent, you can support your child’s sensory needs through play and activity during the day. This can help the brain and body move toward a more peaceful state in the evening. The focus is primarily on stimulating three key senses:

  • The tactile sense (sense of touch)       
  • The proprioceptive sense (muscle and joint sense)
  • The vestibular sense (sense of balance)

By focusing on these senses, you can help regulate the body and nervous system through simple sensory stimulating activities. What works may vary from child to child – every child is different and may have unique needs.

How can you stimulate these senses through daily play and activity?

  • Tactile sense: Use sensory books, activity mirrors, beanbags, playdough, or kinetic sand. 
  • Proprioceptive sense: Encourage movements like grasping, throwing, or kicking a ball.     
  • Vestibular sense: Try swinging, dancing, or jumping.

These are just a few examples of how you can incorporate sensory input into everyday routines. Remember – the only limit is your imagination 💛

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References

  1. Rajaei, S., Kalantari, M., Pashazadeh Azari, Z., Tabatabaee, S. M., & Dunn, W. (2020). Sensory processing patterns and sleep quality in primary school children. Journal of Child Neurology, 14(3), 57–68.   
  2. Kılıç, B. K., Kayıhan, H., & Çifci, A. (2024). Sensory processing in typically developing toddlers with and without sleep problems. Infant Behavior and Development, 76, 101981. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.infbeh.2024.101981   
  3. Bathory, E., & Tomopoulos, S. (2017). Sleep regulation, physiology and development, sleep duration and patterns, and sleep hygiene in infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children. Current Problems in Pediatric and Adolescent Health Care, 47(2), 29–42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cppeds.2016.12.001
  4. Nissen, C. (2016). Sansemotorik og samspil. Dansk Psykologisk Forlag. ISBN: 9788771581584
  5. Nissen, C. (2022). Sansemotoriske legeaktiviteter. Akademisk Forlag. ISBN: 9788750062325
  6. Ayres, A. J. (2007). Sanseintegration hos børn (2nd ed.). Hans Reitzels Forlag. ISBN: 9788741250441   
  7. Agerholm, H. (2020). Bogen om det præmature barn: Sanser og stimulering af det præmature barn. Saxo Publish. ISBN: 9788740428957