Sleep Myoclonus Quiz
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Involuntary muscle twitch while sleeping
Dream as I fall asleep
Falling sensations during sleep
Whole body sometimes twitches or jerks when asleep
Hypnagogic hallucinations
Sudden twitching during sleep
Dreaming when falling asleep
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Sleep Myoclonus?
Sleep myoclonus (or hypnic jerks) is characterized by involuntary muscle twitches that occur either as a person falls asleep or during sleep. It is not a disease but typically a normal phenomenon associated with sleep, and typically does not cause disruption of daily life or disability.
Typical Symptoms of Sleep Myoclonus
- Whole body sometimes twitches or jerks when asleep
- Whole body twitches or jerks when falling asleep
- Have dreams almost immediately after falling asleep
- Seeing flashes or dazzling lights when falling asleep
- Feel a sensation of falling e.g. from a great height, just after falling asleep
- Unusual behaviors or actions when sleeping
Diagnostic Questions for Sleep Myoclonus
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Do you twitch or jerk while asleep?
- Do you twitch or jerk as you fall asleep?
- Do you dream immediately after falling asleep?
- Do you see flashes or lights when falling asleep?
- Do you feel like you are falling from a great height after falling asleep?
Treatment of Sleep Myoclonus
Sleep myoclonus is a normal (physiologic) phenomenon that typically does not require treatment.
Reviewed By:
Benjamin Kummer, MD (Neurology)
Dr Kummer is Assistant Professor of Neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS), with joint appointment in Digital and Technology Partners (DTP) at the Mount Sinai Health System (MSHS) as Director of Clinical Informatics in Neurology. As a triple-board certified practicing stroke neurologist and informaticist, he has successfully improved clinical operations at the point of care by acting as a central liaison between clinical neurology faculty and DTP teams to implement targeted EHR configuration changes and workflows, as well as providing subject matter expertise on health information technology projects across MSHS. | Dr Kummer also has several years’ experience building and implementing several informatics tools, presenting scientific posters, and generating a body of peer-reviewed work in “clinical neuro-informatics” – i.e., the intersection of clinical neurology, digital health, and informatics – much of which is centered on digital/tele-health, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. He has spearheaded the Clinical Neuro-Informatics Center in the Department of Neurology at ISMMS, a new research institute that seeks to establish the field of clinical neuro-informatics and disseminate knowledge to the neurological community on the effects and benefits of clinical informatics tools at the point of care.
Shohei Harase, MD (Neurology)
Dr. Harase spent his junior and senior high school years in Finland and the U.S. After graduating from the University of Washington (Bachelor of Science, Molecular and Cellular Biology), he worked for Apple Japan Inc. before entering the University of the Ryukyus School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Okinawa Prefectural Chubu Hospital, where he received the Best Resident Award in 2016 and 2017. In 2021, he joined the Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine at the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, specializing in hyperacute stroke.
Content updated on Mar 31, 2024
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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Symptoms Related to Sleep Myoclonus
FAQs
Q.
Can gabapentin help if myoclonus is associated with sensory discomfort?
A.
The provided reference does not give information about gabapentin's effectiveness for myoclonus with sensory discomfort.
References:
Pierce DA, Holt SR, & Reeves-Daniel A. (2008). A probable case of gabapentin-related reversible hearing .... Clinical therapeutics, 18840374.
Q.
Can levetiracetam help reduce sleep-related muscle jerks?
A.
Levetiracetam may help with sleep-related muscle jerks, as it has been found effective in similar conditions like restless legs syndrome.
References:
Della Marca G, Vollono C, Mariotti P, Mazza M, Mennuni GF, Tonali P, & Mazza S. (2006). Levetiracetam can be effective in the treatment of restless .... Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry, 16543548.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16543548/
Adam MP, Feldman J, Mirzaa GM, Pagon RA, Wallace SE, Amemiya A, et al. (1993). PRICKLE1-Related Disorders. Unknown Journal, 20301774.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20301774/
Delgado-Escueta AV, & Bourgeois BF. (2008). Does genetic information in humans help us treat patients? PRO. Epilepsia, 19087113.
Q.
Can withdrawal from sedatives trigger sleep myoclonus?
A.
Withdrawal from sedatives, like benzodiazepines, can lead to various symptoms, but sleep myoclonus is not specifically mentioned in the provided reference.
References:
Hu X. (2011). Benzodiazepine withdrawal seizures and management. The Journal of the Oklahoma State Medical Association, 21815323.
Q.
Do ADHD medications increase nighttime myoclonus?
A.
There is no clear evidence from the provided references that ADHD medications directly increase nighttime myoclonus, but sleep disturbances are noted in children with ADHD.
References:
Pockett C, & Kirk V. (2006). Periodic limb movements in sleep and attention deficit .... Paediatrics & Child Health, 2528616.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2528616/
Spruyt K, & Gozal D. (2011). Sleep disturbances in children with attention-deficit .... Expert review of neurotherapeutics, 3129712.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3129712/
van der Veen S, Caviness JN, Dreissen YE, Ganos C, Ibrahim A, Koelman JH, et al. (2022). Myoclonus and other jerky movement disorders - PMC. Clinical Neurophysiology Practice, 9619152.
Q.
Do muscle relaxant creams or patches affect nighttime muscle jerks?
A.
The provided references do not directly address the use of muscle relaxant creams or patches for nighttime muscle jerks.
References:
Borenstein DG, & Korn S. (2003). Efficacy of a low-dose regimen of cyclobenzaprine .... Clinical therapeutics, 12809957.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12809957/
Richards BL, Whittle SL, & Buchbinder R. (2012). Muscle relaxants for pain management in rheumatoid arthritis. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 22258993.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22258993/
Serrao M, Rossi P, Cardinali P, Valente G, Parisi L, & Pierelli F. (2000). Gabapentin treatment for muscle cramps: an open-label trial. Clinical neuropharmacology, 10682230.
Q.
Is sleep myoclonus a temporary condition or lifelong?
A.
Sleep myoclonus can be temporary or last a long time, depending on the underlying cause.
References:
Cerulli Irelli E, Cocchi E, Ramantani G, Caraballo RH, Giuliano L, Yilmaz T, et al. (2022). Electroclinical Features and Long-term Seizure Outcome in .... Neurology, 35292555.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35292555/
Rossor T, Yeh EA, Khakoo Y, Angelini P, Hemingway C, Irani SR, et al. (2022). Diagnosis and Management of Opsoclonus-Myoclonus-Ataxia .... Neurology(R) neuroimmunology & neuroinflammation, 35260471.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35260471/
Gataullina S, & Dulac O. (2017). From genotype to phenotype in Dravet disease. Seizure, 27817982.
Q.
What long-term management strategies help with chronic sleep myoclonus?
A.
Chronic sleep myoclonus can be managed with lifestyle changes, medication, and addressing underlying conditions.
References:
Khan M. (2023). Restless Legs Syndrome and Other Common Sleep .... Continuum (Minneapolis, Minn.), 37590826.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37590826/
Neylan TC. (1995). Treatment of sleep disturbances in depressed patients. The Journal of clinical psychiatry, 7844108.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7844108/
Rossor T, Yeh EA, Khakoo Y, Angelini P, Hemingway C, Irani SR, et al. (2022). Diagnosis and Management of Opsoclonus-Myoclonus-Ataxia .... Neurology(R) neuroimmunology & neuroinflammation, 35260471.
Q.
When should sleep myoclonus be evaluated by a specialist?
A.
Sleep myoclonus should be evaluated by a specialist if it is causing significant sleep disruption, is associated with other neurological symptoms, or if it occurs frequently and severely.
References:
Rossor T, Yeh EA, Khakoo Y, Angelini P, Hemingway C, Irani SR, et al. (2022). Diagnosis and Management of Opsoclonus-Myoclonus-Ataxia .... Neurology(R) neuroimmunology & neuroinflammation, 35260471.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35260471/
Vetrugno R, Provini F, Meletti S, Plazzi G, Liguori R, Cortelli P, et al. (2001). Propriospinal myoclonus at the sleep-wake transition. Sleep, 11683486.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11683486/
Vetrugno R, Plazzi G, Provini F, Liguori R, Lugaresi E, & Montagna P. (2002). Excessive fragmentary hypnic myoclonus: clinical and .... Sleep medicine, 14592258.
Q.
Are hypnic jerks the same as sleep myoclonus?
A.
Hypnic jerks and sleep myoclonus are related but not exactly the same. Hypnic jerks are common, brief muscle twitches that occur as you fall asleep, while sleep myoclonus includes a broader range of muscle movements during sleep.
References:
Chiaro G, Calandra-Buonaura G, Sambati L, Cecere A, Ferri C, Caletti MT, et al. (2016). Hypnic jerks are an underestimated sleep motor .... Sleep medicine, 28007358.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28007358/
Walters AS. (2007). Clinical identification of the simple sleep-related movement .... Chest, 17426241.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17426241/
Baldelli L, & Provini F. (2021). Fragmentary Hypnic Myoclonus and Other Isolated Motor .... Sleep medicine clinics, 33985659.
Q.
Are there specific triggers that make sleep myoclonus more likely?
A.
Sleep myoclonus can be influenced by various factors, but specific triggers are not well-documented in the provided references.
References:
Kinge E, & Ulfberg J. (2009). [Sleep-related movement disorders]. Tidsskrift for den Norske laegeforening : tidsskrift for praktisk medicin, ny raekke, 19844285.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19844285/
Kushida CA. (2007). Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, and Quality of Life Issues .... The American journal of medicine, 17198769.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17198769/
Leibowitz SM, Brooks SN, & Black JE. (2006). Excessive daytime sleepiness: considerations for the .... The Psychiatric clinics of North America, 17118275.
Q.
Can certain medications trigger sleep myoclonus?
A.
Yes, certain medications can trigger sleep myoclonus, including those used in treating Parkinson's disease.
References:
Jiménez-Jiménez FJ, Puertas I, & de Toledo-Heras M. (2004). Drug-induced myoclonus: frequency, mechanisms and .... CNS drugs, 14728056.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14728056/
Klawans HL, Goetz C, & Bergen D. (1975). Levodopa-induced myoclonus. Archives of neurology, 1079721.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1079721/
Nausieda PA, Weiner WJ, Kaplan LR, Weber S, & Klawans HL. (1982). Sleep disruption in the course of chronic levodopa therapy. Clinical neuropharmacology, 7139632.
Q.
Can melatonin help reduce sleep myoclonus symptoms?
A.
Melatonin may help reduce symptoms of sleep myoclonus, especially in children, according to some studies.
References:
Jan JE, Connolly MB, Hamilton D, Freeman RD, & Laudon M. (1999). Melatonin treatment of non-epileptic myoclonus in children. Developmental medicine and child neurology, 10355809.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10355809/
Maffei ME. (2020). 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP): Natural Occurrence, .... International journal of molecular sciences, 33375373.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33375373/
Pranzatelli MR, Tate ED, Dukart WS, Flint MJ, Hoffman MT, & Oksa AE. (2005). Sleep disturbance and rage attacks in opsoclonus .... The Journal of pediatrics, 16182678.
Q.
Can minerals influence muscle twitching during sleep?
A.
Yes, minerals like sodium can affect muscle twitching during sleep, as they play a key role in muscle and nerve function.
References:
Diringer M. (2017). Neurologic manifestations of major electrolyte abnormalities. Handbook of clinical neurology, 28190443.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28190443/
Yu-Yahiro JA. (1994). Electrolytes and their relationship to normal and abnormal .... Orthopedic nursing, 7854827.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7854827/
Veniamakis E, Kaplanis G, Voulgaris P, & Nikolaidis PT. (2022). Effects of Sodium Intake on Health and Performance in .... International journal of environmental research and public health, 35329337.
Q.
Can sleep myoclonus occur alongside restless legs syndrome (RLS)?
A.
Yes, sleep myoclonus can occur alongside restless legs syndrome (RLS), as both involve involuntary movements during sleep.
References:
Trotti LM. (2017). Restless Legs Syndrome and Sleep-Related Movement .... Continuum (Minneapolis, Minn.), 28777173.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28777173/
Salas RE, Rasquinha R, & Gamaldo CE. (2010). All the Wrong Moves: A Clinical Review of Restless Legs .... Clinics in chest medicine, 20488295.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20488295/
Edinger JD. (2003). Cognitive and behavioral anomalies among insomnia .... Behavioral sleep medicine, 15600136.
Q.
Can sleep myoclonus occur during all sleep stages?
A.
Sleep myoclonus can happen in different sleep stages, but it is more common during the lighter stages of sleep.
References:
Vetrugno R, Provini F, Plazzi G, Cortelli P, & Montagna P. (2005). a motor phenomenon found in restless legs syndrome .... Movement disorders : official journal of the Movement Disorder Society, 16007657.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16007657/
Silvestri R, De Domenico P, Di Rosa AE, Bramanti P, Serra S, & Di Perri R. (1990). The effect of nocturnal physiological sleep on various .... Movement disorders : official journal of the Movement Disorder Society, 2296264.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2296264/
Di Capua M, Fusco L, Ricci S, & Vigevano F. (1993). Benign Neonatal Sleep Myoclonus: Clinical Features and .... Movement disorders : official journal of the Movement Disorder Society, 8474488.
Q.
Can stress or anxiety make sleep myoclonus worse?
A.
The provided references do not directly address the impact of stress or anxiety on sleep myoclonus.
References:
Woodward SH, Leskin GA, & Sheikh JI. (2002). associations with posttraumatic stress disorder, nightmares .... Sleep, 12224848.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12224848/
Lagorio I, Zara F, Striano S, & Striano P. (2019). Familial adult myoclonic epilepsy: A new expansion .... Seizure, 30928698.
Q.
Do infants usually outgrow sleep myoclonus?
A.
Yes, infants usually outgrow sleep myoclonus as it is a benign condition that resolves on its own.
References:
Ghossein J, & Pohl D. (2019). Benign spasms of infancy: a mimicker of infantile epileptic .... Epileptic disorders : international epilepsy journal with videotape, 31843733.
Q.
Does caffeine increase the frequency of sleep myoclonus?
A.
Caffeine may affect sleep, but its direct impact on sleep myoclonus isn't clearly established in the provided references.
References:
Sathe H, Karia S, Desousa A, & Shah N. (2015). Hypnic jerks possibly induced by escitalopram - PMC. Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice, 4481805.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4481805/
Lin FJ, Pierce MM, Sehgal A, Wu T, Skipper DC, & Chabba R. (2010). Effect of taurine and caffeine on sleep–wake activity in .... Nature and Science of Sleep, 3630960.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3630960/
Aleman M, Zhang R, Feng W, Qi L, Lopez JR, Crowe C, et al. (2020). Dietary Caffeine Synergizes Adverse Peripheral and Central .... Molecular Pharmacology, 7491310.
Q.
How can doctors tell the difference between sleep myoclonus and seizures?
A.
Doctors can tell sleep myoclonus from seizures by looking at when they happen and how they look on tests like EEGs.
References:
Auvin S, Derambure P, Cassim F, & Vallée L. (2008). [Myoclonus and epilepsy: diagnosis and pathophysiology]. Revue neurologique, 18342053.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18342053/
Guerrini R, & Takahashi T. (2013). Myoclonus and epilepsy. Handbook of clinical neurology, 23622214.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23622214/
Sutter R, Ristic A, Rüegg S, & Fuhr P. (2016). Myoclonus in the critically ill: Diagnosis, management, and .... Clinical neurophysiology : official journal of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology, 26428447.
Q.
How does sleep myoclonus differ from regular muscle twitches?
A.
Sleep myoclonus is a type of muscle twitch that happens during sleep and is generally harmless, while regular muscle twitches can occur at any time and might have different causes.
References:
Lugaresi E, Cirignotta F, Coccagna G, & Montagna P. (1986). Nocturnal myoclonus and restless legs syndrome. Advances in neurology, 3946114.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3946114/
Paro-Panjan D, & Neubauer D. (2008). Benign neonatal sleep myoclonus: experience from the .... European journal of paediatric neurology : EJPN : official journal of the European Paediatric Neurology Society, 17574462.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17574462/
Nepožitek J, & Šonka K. (2017). Excessive Fragmentary Myoclonus: What Do We Know?. Prague medical report, 28364570.
Q.
How long do episodes of sleep myoclonus typically last?
A.
Sleep myoclonus episodes usually last a few seconds to a couple of minutes, mainly occurring during sleep.
References:
Paro-Panjan D, & Neubauer D. (2008). Benign neonatal sleep myoclonus: experience from the .... European journal of paediatric neurology : EJPN : official journal of the European Paediatric Neurology Society, 17574462.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17574462/
Caraballo R, Yépez I, Cersósimo R, & Fejerman N. (1998). [Benign neonatal sleep myoclonus]. Revista de neurologia, 9796000.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9796000/
Blennow G. (1985). Benign infantile nocturnal myoclonus. Acta paediatrica Scandinavica, 4024921.
Q.
Is sleep deprivation linked to sleep myoclonus?
A.
Sleep deprivation can affect sleep myoclonus, especially in conditions like juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, where sleep patterns are disrupted.
References:
Xu L, Guo D, Liu YY, Qiao DD, Ye JY, & Xue R. (2018). Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and sleep. Epilepsy & behavior : E&B, 29358100.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29358100/
Touchon J, Baldy-Moulinier M, Billiard M, Besset A, & Cadilhac J. (1991). Sleep organization and epilepsy. Epilepsy research. Supplement, 1760099.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1760099/
Endres D, Altenmüller DM, Feige B, Maier SJ, Nickel K, Hellwig S, et al. (2018). Myoclonic Jerks and Schizophreniform Syndrome. Frontiers in psychiatry, 29780332.
Q.
Is sleep myoclonus associated with neurological conditions?
A.
Sleep myoclonus can be linked to neurological conditions, but it often occurs in healthy people without a related disorder.
References:
van der Veen S, Caviness JN, Dreissen YEM, Ganos C, Ibrahim A, Koelman JHTM, et al. (2022). Myoclonus and other jerky movement disorders. Clinical neurophysiology practice, 36324989.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36324989/
Montagna P. (2004). Sleep-related non epileptic motor disorders. Journal of neurology, 15258779.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15258779/
Snodgrass SR. (1990). Myoclonus: analysis of monoamine, GABA, and other .... FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, 2165012.
Q.
Is sleep myoclonus dangerous or harmful to the body?
A.
Sleep myoclonus is not typically dangerous or harmful to the body.
References:
Byerley B, & Gillin JC. (1984). Diagnosis and management of insomnia. The Psychiatric clinics of North America, 6542995.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6542995/
Liu D, Li N, Liu L, Qiu L, Zhou Z, & Wu J. (2025). Uncovering safety signals of duloxetine: Real-world .... Journal of affective disorders, 40441644.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40441644/
Grim K, Lee B, Sung AY, & Kotagal S. (2013). Treatment of childhood-onset restless legs syndrome and .... Sleep medicine, 23993871.
Q.
Is sleep myoclonus more common in infants?
A.
Sleep myoclonus, which involves sudden jerks or twitches during sleep, is more common in infants and is usually harmless.
References:
Hrastovec A, Hostnik T, & Neubauer D. (2012). Benign convulsions in newborns and infants: occurrence, .... European journal of paediatric neurology : EJPN : official journal of the European Paediatric Neurology Society, 22116015.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22116015/
Pollack SF, Grocott OR, Parkin KA, Larson AM, & Thibert RL. (2018). Myoclonus in Angelman syndrome. Epilepsy & behavior : E&B, 29555100.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29555100/
Goraya JS. (2015). Acute movement disorders in children: experience from a .... Journal of child neurology, 25296919.
Q.
Is sleep myoclonus related to epilepsy?
A.
Sleep myoclonus is usually not related to epilepsy, although both involve sudden movements. It's important to differentiate them for proper diagnosis and treatment.
References:
Fejerman N. (1997). Myoclonus and epilepsies. Indian journal of pediatrics, 10771893.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10771893/
Fejerman N. (1991). [Myoclonus and epilepsies in children]. Revue neurologique, 1780607.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1780607/
Cross JH. (2013). Differential diagnosis of epileptic seizures in infancy .... Seminars in fetal & neonatal medicine, 23642846.
Q.
What causes sudden jerking movements as I fall asleep?
A.
Sudden jerking movements as you fall asleep, known as hypnic jerks, are common and can be influenced by factors like stress, caffeine, and nicotine.
References:
Alghamdi SA. (2023). Hypnic Jerks, Major Depressive Disorder, and .... Cureus, 37869048.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37869048/
Chiaro G, Calandra-Buonaura G, Sambati L, Cecere A, Ferri C, Caletti MT, et al. (2016). Hypnic jerks are an underestimated sleep motor .... Sleep medicine, 28007358.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28007358/
Houter E, Van Looij MAJ, & Kasius KM. (2025). A Case Report on Nicotine-Induced Hypnic Jerks. Journal of sleep research, 40342083.
Q.
What is sleep myoclonus, and how is it defined?
A.
Sleep myoclonus is a condition where people experience sudden muscle jerks while sleeping. It is often harmless, especially in newborns, but can sometimes be linked to other sleep disorders.
References:
Lugaresi E, Cirignotta F, Coccagna G, & Montagna P. (1986). Nocturnal myoclonus and restless legs syndrome. Advances in neurology, 3946114.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3946114/
Staedt J, Stoppe G, Kögler A, Riemann H, Hajak G, Munz DL, et al. (1995). Nocturnal myoclonus syndrome (periodic movements in .... European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience, 7786913.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7786913/
Paro-Panjan D, & Neubauer D. (2008). Benign neonatal sleep myoclonus: experience from the .... European journal of paediatric neurology : EJPN : official journal of the European Paediatric Neurology Society, 17574462.
Q.
What tests are used to evaluate suspected sleep myoclonus?
A.
To evaluate suspected sleep myoclonus, doctors often use tests like polysomnography, which records brain waves, oxygen levels, heart rate, and breathing during sleep.
References:
Wechsler LR, Stakes JW, Shahani BT, & Busis NA. (1986). Periodic leg movements of sleep (nocturnal myoclonus). Annals of neurology, 3963759.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3963759/
Kushida CA, Littner MR, Morgenthaler T, Alessi CA, Bailey D, Coleman J Jr, et al. (2005). Practice parameters for the indications .... Sleep, 16171294.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16171294/
Foldvary-Schaefer N, & Alsheikhtaha Z. (2013). nocturnal seizures and parasomnias. Continuum (Minneapolis, Minn.), 23385697.
Q.
When is medication recommended for sleep myoclonus?
A.
Medication like clonazepam is recommended for sleep myoclonus when it causes insomnia or significantly disrupts sleep.
References:
Mitler MM, Browman CP, Menn SJ, Gujavarty K, & Timms RM. (1986). Nocturnal myoclonus: treatment efficacy of clonazepam and .... Sleep, 2876485.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2876485/
Oshtory MA, & Vijayan N. (1980). Clonazepam treatment of insomnia due to sleep myoclonus. Archives of neurology, 7356405.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7356405/
Snodgrass SR. (1990). Myoclonus: analysis of monoamine, GABA, and other .... FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, 2165012.
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