Sleep-Related Movement Disorders

Sleep-Related Movement Disorders

Sleep-Related Movement Disorders are a group of conditions which are characterized by simple, usually repetitive movements that interfere with sleep. These movements often occur before or during sleep and may affect the quality of sleep, cause daytime fatigue, or disturb bed partners. These disorders are different from Parasomnias one, which are more complex and often occur during deeper stages of sleep.

Common Types of SRMDs:

  1. Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS):
  • In this there is a strong urge to move the legs, usually accompanied by some uncomfortable sensations (tingling, crawling), and this gets worse at night or while resting.
  1. Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD)
  • In this there is an involuntary jerking or twitching of the legs or arms during sleep, which causes fragmented sleep and daytime tiredness.
  1. Sleep-Related Bruxism
  • Involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth during the sleep, which can further lead to jaw pain, headaches, or tooth damage.
  1. Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD)
  • It is common in children, which causes repetitive body movements such as head banging or body rocking just before or during sleep.
  1. Propriospinal Myoclonus at Sleep Onset
  • Sudden muscle jerks that occur at the moment of falling asleep, and it often involving the trunk or limbs.

Causes

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Treatment

  1. Iron supplements if low levels are detected.
  2. Dopaminergic medications (for RLS/PLMD), e.g. pramipexole, ropinirole.
  3. Anticonvulsants (e.g. gabapentin or pregabalin).
  4. Some lifestyle changes, you should avoid caffeine/alcohol, maintain a regular sleep schedule.
  5. Maintain a good sleep hygiene with dark, quiet room, and wind-down routine.
  6. Mouthguards for bruxism.
  7. Behavioral therapy in children with RMD.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Some, like bruxism or rhythmic movement disorder in children, may get resolve over time. But the others, like RLS or PLMD, are chronic but still manageable with the treatment.

Yes, the long-term bruxism can lead to tooth wear, fractures, or jaw pain, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems. A dental evaluation is important for this.

Yes, RLS and PLMD can occur with conditions like Parkinson’s disease or peripheral neuropathy, though they can also appear independently.

In most of the cases, yes. Rhythmic movement disorder is common in infants and toddlers and usually disappears as the child grows older.

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