Definition of Benign sleep myoclonus

Benign sleep myoclonus: A distinctive disorder of sleep in infancy characterized by rhythmic myoclonic jerks (sudden muscle contractions) which occur when the child is asleep and which stop when the child is awakened. Sleep myoclonus usually disappears after a few weeks, in most cases by 3 months of age, as the sleep patterns mature. Benign sleep myoclonus may be mistaken for epilepsy.

Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=24815
Last Editorial Review: 6/14/2012