Near resolution of sleep related rhythmic movement disorder after CPAP for OSA

Abstract

Sleep related rhythmic movement disorder (RMD) is characterized by repetitive, stereotyped, and rhythmic motor behaviors that involve large muscle groups and occur predominantly during drowsiness and light sleep, though they can appear in any sleep stage [1]. Diagnosis is often but not always straightforward, especially when RMD involves movement patterns other than the most classic body rocking or head banging, or when the patient presents initially in adulthood rather than childhood. We describe an adult diagnosed with RMD only after being treated for restless legs syndrome (RLS) and referred for evaluation of obstructive sleep apnea. Furthermore, treatment of this patient’s obstructive sleep apnea dramatically reduced the RMD.