diff --git a/sanic/mixins/startup.py b/sanic/mixins/startup.py
index 860d34a090..79517257bf 100644
--- a/sanic/mixins/startup.py
+++ b/sanic/mixins/startup.py
@@ -825,7 +825,7 @@ def serve(
                 reload_dirs: Set[Path] = primary.state.reload_dirs.union(
                     *(app.state.reload_dirs for app in apps)
                 )
-                reloader = Reloader(monitor_pub, 1.0, reload_dirs, app_loader)
+                reloader = Reloader(monitor_pub, 0, reload_dirs, app_loader)
                 manager.manage("Reloader", reloader, {}, transient=False)
 
             inspector = None
diff --git a/sanic/worker/reloader.py b/sanic/worker/reloader.py
index 89f2ef1f27..b490c5b31a 100644
--- a/sanic/worker/reloader.py
+++ b/sanic/worker/reloader.py
@@ -17,6 +17,8 @@
 
 
 class Reloader:
+    INTERVAL = 1.0  # seconds
+
     def __init__(
         self,
         publisher: Connection,
@@ -25,7 +27,7 @@ def __init__(
         app_loader: AppLoader,
     ):
         self._publisher = publisher
-        self.interval = interval
+        self.interval = interval or self.INTERVAL
         self.reload_dirs = reload_dirs
         self.run = True
         self.app_loader = app_loader