rhythmic /repetitive movement in sleep

[wakarimasen]

I've posted elsewhere but not had much response. I suppose this is pretty unusual...
Hello,I'm looking for some help. Every night my 3 year old son wakes us up multiple times as he makes a loud humming noise, puts his hands over his ears and rocks from side to side. He's done this since he was born and used to do it to get himself off to sleep but more recently he's doing it in the middle of the night, presumably during sleep transitions. Having looked online, I think it sounds like rhythmic movement disorder. The lack of sleep is really getting to the rest of the family (and my son also seems tired during the day) and we don't know what to do. Spoke to psychology services over the telephone and they just said that it was a good thing that he self soothed! Does anyone have any experience of this themselves?

Hi, is this different to sensory seeking? My son moves a lot during the day bouncing, jumping, spinning because of his sensory processing and he also used to have to do lots of big movements on the bed before he would fall asleep.

if it is sensory would a weighted blanket help or seeing an occupational therapist?

My husband makes strange noises and rollicks about in his sleep - but jesting apart, a good sensory OT may be able to unravel it.
I have seen a lot from Miri Horovitz Cohen at OT London, but I ma sure there are plenty of others.

the sensory ot who saw my ds was fab. we were able to borrow sensory equipment to try and she really helped a lot in getting ds less anxious at school. Reducing ds' day time anxiety seems to help him sleep better.

I hope you find something to help.

Thanks for the replies. Very helpful. I think the first step probably needs to be the GP although they have been fairly dismissive so far. I'm keeping a diary of his sleep just now so that might help.