Sleep Disorders in Children: Simple Sleep-Related Movement Disorders

Abstract

Simple sleep-related movement disorders are a group of conditions that must be differentiated from parasomnias which are more complex sleep-related movement disorders and appear goal directed but are outside the conscious awareness of the individual. Simple sleep-related movement disorders must also be distinguished from movement disorders that occur predominantly during wakefulness but may occur to a minor degree in sleep. A detailed medical history including the patient’s age at onset of symptoms and a meticulous description of the movement help to differentiate these conditions. In some cases, polysomnography and video recording are essential diagnostic tools.