Sleep-Related Movement Disorders By MaryAnn DePietro, CRT
M
ost people move a little when trying to fall asleep or change positions during the night. But sleep-related movements disorders do not involve typical shifts like tossing and turning during sleep. Instead, sleep-related movement disorders involve abnormal movements that interfere with sleep. Sleep-related movement disorders can have a significant impact on a person’s sleep, health, and quality of life. For example, some studies show an increased risk of having a stroke. A study published in QJM, the monthly journal of the Association of Physicians, indicated that people with a sleep-related movement disorder have an increased risk of all-cause stroke with a higher chance of a hemorrhagic stroke as opposed to an ischemic stroke. There are different forms of sleep-related movement disorders. Although they are classified as movement disorders, each has its own symptoms and risk factors. 4 | Winter 2022 | Restless Legs Syndrome
Certain sleep-related movement disorders appear to occur more often in children, while others are seen more in adults. This article will take a look at the following six sleep movement disorders:
1. RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME (RLS) 2. PERIODIC LIMB MOVEMENT
DISORDER (PLMD)
MOVEMENT DISORDER
3. SLEEP-RELATED BRUXISM 4. SLEEP-RELATED LEG CRAMPS 5. SLEEP-RELATED RHYTHMIC 6. HYPNIC JERKS
