Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 6, 2026

A Chronic Sleep Fragmentation Model using Vibrating Orbital Rotor to Induce Cognitive Deficit and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Young Wild-Type Mice
06:23

A Chronic Sleep Fragmentation Model using Vibrating Orbital Rotor to Induce Cognitive Deficit and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Young Wild-Type Mice

Published on: September 22, 2020

Sleep behavior disturbances in rolandic epilepsy

Shan S Tang1, Tara Clarke, Judith Owens

  • 1Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK.

Journal of Child Neurology
|November 25, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Children with rolandic epilepsy experience more sleep problems and daytime sleepiness. This study highlights significant sleep disturbances in pediatric epilepsy patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Epileptology

Background:

  • The connection between specific epilepsy syndromes and sleep issues is not well understood.
  • Rolandic epilepsy is a common childhood epilepsy syndrome.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if children with rolandic epilepsy have more sleep problems and daytime sleepiness than children without epilepsy.
  • To test the hypothesis linking rolandic epilepsy to increased sleep disturbances.

Main Methods:

  • A comparative study involving 43 children with rolandic epilepsy (ages 6-16) from 5 US pediatric neurology centers.
  • Parent-reported sleep behaviors were assessed using the Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire.
  • Data were compared against a historical reference and sleep clinic sample.

Main Results:

  • Children with rolandic epilepsy had significantly higher overall Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire scores (P < .001).
  • Parents reported shorter sleep duration (P < .006), more frequent parasomnias (P < .008), and increased daytime sleepiness (P < .001) in the rolandic epilepsy group.
  • Rolandic epilepsy is associated with more problematic sleep and daytime impairment.

Conclusions:

  • Children with rolandic epilepsy exhibit significantly more sleep problems and daytime sleepiness compared to a reference sample.
  • These findings underscore the importance of addressing sleep issues in pediatric rolandic epilepsy management.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms underlying sleep disturbances in epilepsy.

More Related Videos

Manipulation of Epileptiform Electrocorticograms (ECoGs) and Sleep in Rats and Mice by Acupuncture09:06

Manipulation of Epileptiform Electrocorticograms (ECoGs) and Sleep in Rats and Mice by Acupuncture

Published on: December 22, 2016

Multi-system Monitoring for Identification of Seizures, Arrhythmias and Apnea in Conscious Restrained Rabbits10:25

Multi-system Monitoring for Identification of Seizures, Arrhythmias and Apnea in Conscious Restrained Rabbits

Published on: March 27, 2021

Related Concept Videos

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder01:15

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...
Sleep-Wake Cycles01:24

Sleep-Wake Cycles

Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and  rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
Narcolepsy01:07

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by pervasive, uncontrolled sleepiness and other sleep disturbances. One of its hallmark symptoms is an abrupt transition to REM sleep upon falling asleep, which causes symptoms typically associated with this phase to occur unexpectedly during wakefulness. These include the following symptoms, which typically last from a minute or two to half an hour.
Restless Leg Syndrome and Night Terrors01:27

Restless Leg Syndrome and Night Terrors

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a neurological disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs due to uncomfortable sensations. These sensations typically occur during periods of rest or inactivity, particularly when lying down or sitting, and can severely disrupt sleep.
The exact cause of RLS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate muscle movement. Imbalances in dopamine levels...
Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking01:17

Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking

Somnambulism, commonly known as sleepwalking, involves individuals engaging in activities ranging from simple walking to more complex behaviors such as driving. Sleepwalking typically occurs during the slow-wave sleep stages 3 and 4 early in the night when the person is not dreaming, contradicting the myth that sleepwalkers are acting out their dreams.
Factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption. Contrary to common beliefs, it is safe...
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents01:17

Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents

Sedatives and hypnotics encompass a wide range of substances, each with its unique mechanism of action, uses, and potential adverse effects.
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...