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Acting abnormal in my sleep
Head-shaking during sleep
Banging the head repeatedly into a pillow or mattress when asleep
Clenching my teeth
Sucking my finger in my sleep
Abnormal talk while sleeping
Gnashing my teeth at night
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder?
Sleep-related rhythmic movement disorder (RMD) involves rhythmic, repeated body movements while drowsy or asleep, which most commonly occurs in babies and children but can persist into adulthood. In addition to abnormal movements, the disorder can also manfest with loud humming or other sounds. The exact cause of RMD is unknown. Rare causes include head injury, stress, and brain infection.
Typical Symptoms of Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder
- Unusual behaviors or actions when sleeping
- Shaking head left and right when asleep
- Knocking head back and forth against the bed when sleeping
- Rocking back-and-forth on all fours when sleeping
- Teeth grinding while sleeping
- Suck my thumb when sleeping
- Legs shake or rock when falling asleep
- Stiff, rigid muscles causing difficulty bending joints
Diagnostic Questions for Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Do you have unusual sleep behaviors?
- Do you shake your head while asleep?
- Do you knock your head against the bed or pillow while sleeping?
- Do you rock back and forth on all fours while sleeping?
- Do you grind your teeth at night?
Treatment of Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder
In most cases, the symptoms fade away as the child grows older. Medications such as sedatives may be prescribed to reduce symptoms.
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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- Vivid dreams
- Involuntary muscle twitch while sleeping
- Experiencing noises associated with exploding head syndrome
- Nightmares during abnormal behaviors
- Hypnagogic hallucinations
- Punching in sleep
- Falling sensations during sleep
- Flexing of the legs while sleeping
See full list
Symptoms Related to Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder
Diseases Related to Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder
FAQs
Q.
Can certain antiviotics trigger muscle twitching during sleep?
A.
The provided references do not mention antibiotics causing muscle twitching during sleep, but they do discuss how certain medications like antidepressants can affect sleep and cause movement disorders.
References:
Bassetti CL, & Bargiotas P. (2018). REM Sleep Behavior Disorder. Frontiers of neurology and neuroscience, 29145189.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29145189/
Kolla BP, Mansukhani MP, & Bostwick JM. (2018). The influence of antidepressants on restless legs .... Sleep medicine reviews, 28822709.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28822709/
Page RL 2nd, Ruscin JM, Bainbridge JL, & Brieke AA. (2008). Restless legs syndrome induced by escitalopram. Pharmacotherapy, 18225972.
Q.
Can gabapentin help if Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) coexists with restless legs or sensory discomfort?
A.
The provided references do not specifically address the use of gabapentin for Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) with restless legs or sensory discomfort.
References:
García-Domínguez M. (2025). Fibromyalgia and Inflammation: Unrevealing the Connection. Cells, 11853252.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11853252/
García-Domínguez M. (2025). A Comprehensive Analysis of Fibromyalgia and the Role of .... Biomedicines, 11762748.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11762748/
Moturi S, & Avis K. (2010). Assessment and treatment of common pediatric sleep .... Psychiatry (Edgmont), 2898839.
Q.
Do ADHD medications affect rhythmic movement frequency in children?
A.
ADHD medications can affect movement in children, sometimes causing movement disorders or changes in body rhythms.
References:
Nam SH, Lim MH, & Park TW. (2022). Stimulant Induced Movement Disorders in Attention Deficit .... Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 8984208.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8984208/
Antle MC, van Diepen HC, Deboer T, Pedram P, Pereira RR, & Meijer JH. (2012). Methylphenidate Modifies the Motion of the Circadian Clock. Neuropsychopharmacology, 3445990.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3445990/
Metin O, Eynalli-Gok E, Kuygun-Karci C, & Yolga-Tahiroglu A. (2019). The Effectiveness of Melatonin in Head Banging: A case report. Sleep Science, 6508939.
Q.
How should families track changes in nighttime movement when medications change?
A.
Families can track changes in nighttime movement due to medication changes by using devices that monitor sleep positions and movements, which can provide detailed information about sleep quality and patterns.
References:
Lu L, Tamura T, & Togawa T. (1999). Detection of body movements during sleep by monitoring .... Physiological measurement, 10390016.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10390016/
Elnaggar O, Arelhi R, Coenen F, Hopkinson A, Mason L, & Paoletti P. (2023). An interpretable framework for sleep posture change .... Scientific reports, 37865640.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37865640/
Castillo-Escario Y, Blanco-Almazan D, Ferrer-Lluis I, & Jane R. (2023). Measuring High-Resolution Sleep Position in Adolescents .... Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Annual International Conference, 38082890.
Q.
When is clonazepam considered in Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) treatment?
A.
Clonazepam is sometimes used for treating Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) when other strategies do not help enough, especially in severe cases.
References:
Lam N, & Veeravigrom M. (2023). Sleep-related rhythmic movement disorder in children. Frontiers in Neurology, 10225739.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10225739/
Chiaro G, Maestri M, Riccardi S, Haba-Rubio J, Miano S, Bassetti CL, et al. (2017). Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder and .... Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine : JCSM : Official Publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 5612639.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5612639/
Gupta R, Goel D, Dhyani M, & Mittal M. (2014). Head banging persisting during adolescence: A case with .... Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice, 4173244.
Q.
Can improving sleep routines reduce Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) episodes?
A.
Improving sleep routines might help reduce episodes of Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD), but more research is needed to confirm this.
References:
Metin O, Eynalli-Gok E, Kuygun-Karci C, & Yolga-Tahiroglu A. (2019). The Effectiveness of Melatonin in Head Banging: A case report. Sleep Science, 6508939.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6508939/
Moturi S, & Avis K. (2010). Assessment and treatment of common pediatric sleep .... Psychiatry (Edgmont), 2898839.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2898839/
Corcione A, Del Giudice LA, Basilicata S, Maglio M, Aiello S, Cerchione R, et al. (2025). Managing Complexity in Rett Syndrome with a Focus on .... Children, 12468077.
Q.
Can loud noises or touch during sleep trigger Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD)?
A.
Loud noises or touch during sleep do not typically trigger Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD).
References:
Gall M, Kohn B, Wiesmeyr C, van Sluijs RM, Wilhelm E, Rondei Q, et al. (2019). A Novel Approach to Assess Sleep-Related Rhythmic .... Frontiers in Psychiatry, 6806394.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6806394/
Jesuthasan A, Magrinelli F, Batla A, & Bhatia KP. (2025). Rare Movement Disorders—An Approach for Clinicians - PMC. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 12249825.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12249825/
Hallett M, DelRosso LM, Elble R, Ferri R, Horak FB, Lehericy S, et al. (2021). Evaluation of movement and brain activity - PMC. Clinical neurophysiology : official journal of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology, 8478902.
Q.
Can melatonin or magnesium supplementation help manage Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD)?
A.
Melatonin and magnesium might help with Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD), but more research is needed to know for sure.
References:
Desai D, Momin A, Hirpara P, Jha H, Thaker R, & Patel J. (2024). Exploring the Role of Circadian Rhythms in Sleep and Recovery. Cureus, 11221196.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11221196/
Innocenti A, Lentini G, Rapacchietta S, Cinnirella P, Elia M, Ferri R, & Bruni O. (2023). The Role of Supplements and Over-the-Counter Products .... International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 10178725.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10178725/
Levy SE, & Hyman SL. (2008). “Complementary and Alternative Medicine Treatments for .... Child and adolescent psychiatric clinics of North America, 2597185.
Q.
Can naps influence the frequency of Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) episodes?
A.
There is no specific information from the provided references about how naps affect Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) episodes.
References:
Kose C, Wood I, Gwyther A, Basnet S, Gaskell C, Gringras P, et al. (2021). Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder in Young .... Brain Sciences, 8533778.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8533778/
Moturi S, & Avis K. (2010). Assessment and treatment of common pediatric sleep .... Psychiatry (Edgmont), 2898839.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2898839/
Stanciu I, Anderson J, Siebert S, Mackay D, & Lyall DM. (2022). Associations of rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatoid factor .... Scientific Reports, 9674828.
Q.
Can Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) be mistaken for seizures or epilepsy?
A.
Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) can sometimes be confused with seizures or epilepsy because both involve unusual movements during sleep.
References:
St. Louis EK. (2011). Sleep and Epilepsy: Strange Bedfellows No More - PMC. Minerva pneumologica, 3608109.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3608109/
Gupta R, Goel D, Dhyani M, & Mittal M. (2014). Head banging persisting during adolescence: A case with .... Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice, 4173244.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4173244/
Tolaymat A, & Liu Z. (2017). Sleep Disorders in Childhood Neurological Diseases - PMC. Children, 5664014.
Q.
Can Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) be triggered by stress or emotional overload?
A.
The provided references do not directly discuss Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) or its connection to stress or emotional overload.
References:
Wang C, Barr K, Neutel D, Roy K, Liu Y, & Chanfreau GF. (2021). Stress-induced inhibition of mRNA export triggers RNase III .... RNA, 8594472.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8594472/
Roy K, & Chanfreau G. (2014). Stress-Induced Nuclear RNA Degradation Pathways .... PLoS Genetics, 4169253.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4169253/
Nunez SG, Rabelo SP, Subotic N, Caruso JW, & Knezevic NN. (2025). Chronic Stress and Autoimmunity: The Role of HPA Axis and .... International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 12563903.
Q.
Can Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) coexist with restless legs syndrome (RLS) or periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD)?
A.
Yes, Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) can coexist with Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) or Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD). These conditions can happen together, affecting sleep and movement.
References:
Moturi S, & Avis K. (2010). Assessment and treatment of common pediatric sleep .... Psychiatry (Edgmont), 2898839.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2898839/
Aurora RN, Lamm CI, Zak RS, Kristo DA, Bista SR, Rowley JA, & Casey KR. (2012). Practice Parameters for the Non-Respiratory Indications .... Sleep, 3466793.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3466793/
Hallett M, DelRosso LM, Elble R, Ferri R, Horak FB, Lehericy S, et al. (2021). Evaluation of movement and brain activity - PMC. Clinical neurophysiology : official journal of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology, 8478902.
Q.
Can Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) lead to headaches or neck pain?
A.
Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) can cause physical discomfort, which may lead to headaches or neck pain due to repetitive movements during sleep.
References:
van Dijk BT, Boeren AM, Khidir SJ, den Hollander NK, & van der Helm - van Mil AH. (2024). Work-related physical strain and development of joint .... RMD Open, 11015171.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11015171/
Kose C, Wood I, Gwyther A, Basnet S, Gaskell C, Gringras P, et al. (2021). Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder in Young .... Brain Sciences, 8533778.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8533778/
Gall M, Kohn B, Wiesmeyr C, van Sluijs RM, Wilhelm E, Rondei Q, et al. (2019). A Novel Approach to Assess Sleep-Related Rhythmic .... Frontiers in Psychiatry, 6806394.
Q.
Can Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) occur every night or only occasionally?
A.
Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) can happen every night or just sometimes.
References:
Kohyama J, Matsukura F, Kimura K, & Tachibana N. (2002). Rhythmic movement disorder: polysomnographic study .... Brain & development, 11751023.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11751023/
Sun X, Jin C, Cui C, Chen Z, & Dai Q. (2025). Reward network mechanism in anhedonia and depression. PloS one, 40966302.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40966302/
De Vicente Delmás A, Sanchez-Bilbao L, Calvo-Río V, Martínez-López D, Herrero-Morant A, Galíndez-Agirregoikoa E, et al. (2023). Uveitis in psoriatic arthritis: study of 406 patients in a single .... RMD open, 36635002.
Q.
Do children usually outgrow Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) as they get older?
A.
Most children with Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) tend to outgrow it as they get older, but some may continue to experience symptoms into adulthood.
References:
Attarian H, Ward N, & Schuman C. (2009). A multigenerational family with persistent sleep related .... Journal of clinical sleep medicine : JCSM : official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 20465026.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20465026/
Peramalaiah MK, Parmar ST, Sepehri N, Muthukumarana S, Kanitkar A, Hin CK, & Szturm TJ. (2025). Evaluation of a Game-Based Mechatronic Device for .... JMIR rehabilitation and assistive technologies, 39964707.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39964707/
Kohyama J, Matsukura F, Kimura K, & Tachibana N. (2002). Rhythmic movement disorder: polysomnographic study .... Brain & development, 11751023.
Q.
Do children with Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) wake up during episodes, or remain asleep?
A.
Children with Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) usually stay asleep during episodes, showing movements like head banging or body rocking.
References:
Gall M, Kohn B, Wiesmeyr C, van Sluijs RM, Wilhelm E, Rondei Q, et al. (2019). A Novel Approach to Assess Sleep-Related Rhythmic .... Frontiers in Psychiatry, 6806394.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6806394/
Kose C, Wood I, Gwyther A, Basnet S, Gaskell C, Gringras P, et al. (2021). Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder in Young .... Brain Sciences, 8533778.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8533778/
Gupta R, Goel D, Dhyani M, & Mittal M. (2014). Head banging persisting during adolescence: A case with .... Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice, 4173244.
Q.
Does rocking before sleep increase the likelihood of Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) during sleep?
A.
Rocking before sleep does not directly cause Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD), but it may be associated with certain patterns seen in RMD.
References:
Lam N, & Veeravigrom M. (2023). Sleep-related rhythmic movement disorder in children. Frontiers in Neurology, 10225739.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10225739/
Kose C, Wood I, Gwyther A, Basnet S, Gaskell C, Gringras P, et al. (2021). Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder in Young .... Brain Sciences, 8533778.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8533778/
Gupta R, Goel D, Dhyani M, & Mittal M. (2014). Head banging persisting during adolescence: A case with .... Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice, 4173244.
Q.
Does sleep deprivation increase rhythmic movements during sleep?
A.
Sleep deprivation may increase rhythmic movements during sleep, especially in children with sleep-related rhythmic movement disorder.
References:
Kose C, Wood I, Gwyther A, Basnet S, Gaskell C, Gringras P, et al. (2021). Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder in Young .... Brain Sciences, 8533778.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8533778/
Lam N, & Veeravigrom M. (2023). Sleep-related rhythmic movement disorder in children. Frontiers in Neurology, 10225739.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10225739/
Gall M, Kohn B, Wiesmeyr C, van Sluijs RM, Wilhelm E, Rondei Q, et al. (2019). A Novel Approach to Assess Sleep-Related Rhythmic .... Frontiers in Psychiatry, 6806394.
Q.
How does Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) differ from typical tossing and turning during sleep?
A.
Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) involves repetitive movements like headbanging during sleep, unlike normal tossing and turning which is less rhythmic and more varied.
References:
Attarian H, Ward N, & Schuman C. (2009). A multigenerational family with persistent sleep related .... Journal of clinical sleep medicine : JCSM : official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 20465026.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20465026/
Chisholm T, & Morehouse RL. (1996). Adult headbanging: sleep studies and treatment. Sleep, 8776793.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8776793/
Bento da Silva A, Ramiro S, van Lunteren M, Marques ML, van de Sande M, Fongen C, et al. (2024). Baseline and 2-year differences in spinal symptoms .... RMD open, 39461873.
Q.
How should caregivers track or monitor Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) episodes at home?
A.
Caregivers can monitor Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) episodes at home by keeping a sleep diary and using video recordings to track movements during sleep.
References:
Gall M, Kohn B, Wiesmeyr C, van Sluijs RM, Wilhelm E, Rondei Q, et al. (2019). A Novel Approach to Assess Sleep-Related Rhythmic .... Frontiers in Psychiatry, 6806394.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6806394/
Kose C, Wood I, Gwyther A, Basnet S, Gaskell C, Gringras P, et al. (2021). Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder in Young .... Brain Sciences, 8533778.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8533778/
Hallett M, DelRosso LM, Elble R, Ferri R, Horak FB, Lehericy S, et al. (2021). Evaluation of movement and brain activity - PMC. Clinical neurophysiology : official journal of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology, 8478902.
Q.
Is Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) associated with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism?
A.
Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) can be linked to neurodevelopmental conditions like autism, especially in children.
References:
Lam N, & Veeravigrom M. (2023). Sleep-related rhythmic movement disorder in children. Frontiers in Neurology, 10225739.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10225739/
Kose C, Wood I, Gwyther A, Basnet S, Gaskell C, Gringras P, et al. (2021). Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder in Young .... Brain Sciences, 8533778.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8533778/
Attarian H, Ward N, & Schuman C. (2009). A Multigenerational Family with Persistent Sleep Related .... Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine : JCSM : Official Publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 2792975.
Q.
Is Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) dangerous or can it cause injury?
A.
Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) is usually not dangerous, but in some cases, it can cause injury if movements are intense or frequent.
References:
Hoban TF. (2003). Rhythmic movement disorder in children. CNS spectrums, 12612499.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12612499/
Joels H, Benny A, Sharpe A, Postigo B, Joseph B, Piantino C, et al. (2023). Sleep related rhythmic movement disorder. Sleep medicine, 37804714.
Q.
Is Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) more common in infants and young children?
A.
Yes, Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) is more common in infants and young children, often decreasing with age.
References:
Gogo E, van Sluijs RM, Cheung T, Gaskell C, Jones L, Alwan NA, & Hill CM. (2019). Objectively confirmed prevalence of sleep-related rhythmic .... Sleep medicine, 30384137.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30384137/
Attarian H, Ward N, & Schuman C. (2009). A multigenerational family with persistent sleep related .... Journal of clinical sleep medicine : JCSM : official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 20465026.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20465026/
Hoban TF. (2003). Rhythmic movement disorder in children. CNS spectrums, 12612499.
Q.
Is Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) related to sleep stages or specific timing during the night?
A.
Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) often occurs during the transition between sleep stages and is more common at the beginning of the night.
References:
Xu Z, Anderson KN, & Shneerson JM. (2009). Association of Idiopathic Rapid Eye Movement Sleep .... Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine : JCSM : Official Publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 2725259.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2725259/
Kose C, Wood I, Gwyther A, Basnet S, Gaskell C, Gringras P, et al. (2021). Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder in Young .... Brain Sciences, 8533778.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8533778/
Chiaro G, Maestri M, Riccardi S, Haba-Rubio J, Miano S, Bassetti CL, et al. (2017). Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder and .... Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine : JCSM : Official Publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 5612639.
Q.
What causes repetitive body rocking or head banging during sleep?
A.
Repetitive body rocking or head banging during sleep is often caused by a condition called rhythmic movement disorder, which can occur in both children and adults.
References:
Michalek-Zrabkowska M, Wieckiewicz M, Wichniak A, Jenca A Jr, Jencova J, Frosztega W, et al. (2024). Sleep-related rhythmic movement disorder in adults. Journal of sleep research, 37414586.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37414586/
Gwyther ARM, Walters AS, & Hill CM. (2017). Rhythmic movement disorder in childhood: An integrative .... Sleep medicine reviews, 27884450.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27884450/
Chisholm T, & Morehouse RL. (1996). Adult headbanging: sleep studies and treatment. Sleep, 8776793.
Q.
What is Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD)?
A.
Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) involves repetitive movements, like head banging or body rocking, during sleep, often seen in children but can occur in adults too.
References:
Michalek-Zrabkowska M, Wieckiewicz M, Wichniak A, Jenca A Jr, Jencova J, Frosztega W, et al. (2024). Sleep-related rhythmic movement disorder in adults. Journal of sleep research, 37414586.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37414586/
Kohyama J, Matsukura F, Kimura K, & Tachibana N. (2002). Rhythmic movement disorder: polysomnographic study .... Brain & development, 11751023.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11751023/
Laganière C, Pennestri MH, Rassu AL, Barateau L, Chenini S, Evangelista E, et al. (2020). Disturbed nighttime sleep in children and adults with .... Sleep, 32459316.
Q.
When is a sleep study recommended for suspected Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD)?
A.
A sleep study is recommended for Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) when the movements cause injury or disrupt sleep significantly.
References:
Michalek-Zrabkowska M, Wieckiewicz M, Wichniak A, Jenca A Jr, Jencova J, Frosztega W, et al. (2024). Sleep-related rhythmic movement disorder in adults. Journal of sleep research, 37414586.
Q.
When should Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) be evaluated by a doctor?
A.
Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) should be evaluated by a doctor if it causes injury, disrupts sleep, or affects daytime activities.
References:
Kose C, Wood I, Gwyther A, Basnet S, Gaskell C, Gringras P, et al. (2021). Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder in Young .... Brain Sciences, 8533778.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8533778/
Al Maini M, Adelowo F, Al Saleh J, Al Weshahi Y, Burmester GR, Cutolo M, et al. (2014). The global challenges and opportunities in the practice of .... Clinical Rheumatology, 4408363.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4408363/
Milchert M, & Brzosko M. (2017). Diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica usually means a .... The Indian Journal of Medical Research, 5644293.
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Gogo E, van Sluijs RM, Cheung T, Gaskell C, Jones L, Alwan NA, Hill CM. Objectively confirmed prevalence of sleep-related rhythmic movement disorder in pre-school children. Sleep Med. 2019 Jan;53:16-21. doi: 10.1016/j.sleep.2018.08.021. Epub 2018 Sep 25. PMID: 30384137.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S138994571830697X?via%3DihubHoban TF. Rhythmic movement disorder in children. CNS Spectr. 2003 Feb;8(2):135-8. doi: 10.1017/s1092852900018368. PMID: 12612499.
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/cns-spectrums/article/abs/rhythmic-movement-disorder-in-children/825069126984B01F63679F6AE2BD6D84#Lam N, Veeravigrom M. Sleep-related rhythmic movement disorder in children: a mini-review. Front Neurol. 2023 May 15;14:1165130. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1165130. PMID: 37255722; PMCID: PMC10225739.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2023.1165130/fullDelRosso LM, Cano-Pumarega I, E SSA. Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder. Sleep Med Clin. 2021 Jun;16(2):315-321. doi: 10.1016/j.jsmc.2021.02.007. Epub 2021 Apr 15. PMID: 33985656.
https://www.sleep.theclinics.com/article/S1556-407X(21)00009-6/fulltext