What is sleep related rhythmic movement disorder?
Sleep related rhythmic movement disorder is characterized by repetitive, stereotyped, and rhythmic motor behaviors that occur near sleep onset.
The movements are not tremors, involve large muscle groups, and include body rocking, head banging, head rolling, or a combination of the aforementioned.
The behaviors result in sleep disturbance, significant impairment in daytime function, or self-inflicted bodily injury or likelihood of injury if preventive measures are not used.
Typically, the disorder is seen in infants and children; however, it does occur in adolescents and adults.
The rhythmic movements are not better explained by another movement disorder or epilepsy.
Rhythmic movements have been reported to be associated with RLS, OSA, narcolepsy, RBD, and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder.
