Sleep-Related Movement Disorders

Abstract

To effectively manage sleep problems in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDD), a comprehensive approach which explores all potential etiologies is needed. Sleep-related movement disorders (SRMD) may be an unrecognized cause of sleep disturbance in children with NDD; however, SRMD have not been adequately studied in this population. Limited evidence suggests that restless legs syndrome (RLS) and periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS) may be contributors to sleep disturbances in children with autism spectrum disorder and attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder. There are also small studies which suggest that children with some genetic disorders may have an increased prevalence of PLMS. Children with NDD often have difficulty communicating symptoms, a skill which is critical to enable diagnosis of RLS. They also have difficulty cooperating with polysomnography, which is critical for making a diagnosis of PLMS. Diagnoses of sleep-related bruxism and sleep-related rhythmic movement disorders are also problematic, as these behaviors are often present during the day as well as during sleep in individuals with NDD. These factors lead to difficulty making reliable diagnoses of a sleep-related movement disorder, which in turn leads to difficulty conducting research to establish the prevalence of and treatments for SRMD in individuals with NDD. Sleep is integral to optimal development and daytime function and to quality of life for individuals with NDD and their families. Therefore, further study is needed to understand the impact of SRMD in individuals with NDD.