Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 4, 2026

Assaying Locomotor Activity to Study Circadian Rhythms and Sleep Parameters in Drosophila
18:08

Assaying Locomotor Activity to Study Circadian Rhythms and Sleep Parameters in Drosophila

Published on: September 28, 2010

48.1K

Daytime dysfunction in children with restless legs syndrome

Naomichi Furudate1, Yoko Komada2, Mina Kobayashi3

  • 1Department of Somnology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Psychiatry, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.

Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|December 24, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Daytime dysfunction in children with Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is common but treatable. Iron supplementation significantly improved RLS symptoms and daily functioning in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Nutritional Neuroscience

Background:

  • Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder that can significantly impact a child's quality of life.
  • Daytime dysfunction, including issues with attention and behavior, is a frequently reported yet understudied symptom in pediatric RLS.
  • Iron deficiency is a known contributor to RLS symptoms, particularly in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of daytime dysfunction in children diagnosed with RLS.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of iron supplementation as a primary treatment for RLS symptoms and associated daytime dysfunction in pediatric patients.
  • To compare the daytime functioning of children with RLS to age-matched controls.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving 25 children with RLS and 28 controls, assessing demographics, RLS symptoms, and daytime functioning.
  • Utilized validated instruments including the ADHD Rating Scale IV (ADHD-RS-IV), Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL™).
  • Serum ferritin levels were measured, and participants were treated primarily with iron supplements, with pre- and post-treatment assessments.

Main Results:

  • Children with RLS exhibited significantly higher ADHD-RS-IV and PSC scores, and lower PedsQL™ scores compared to controls prior to treatment.
  • A notable proportion of RLS patients presented with abnormally high scores on measures of attention and emotional distress.
  • Following iron supplementation, daytime functioning in the RLS group improved to levels comparable to the control group, with a high treatment success rate.

Conclusions:

  • Daytime dysfunction is a significant clinical feature in pediatric Restless Legs Syndrome.
  • Iron supplementation demonstrates considerable efficacy in alleviating RLS symptoms and improving daytime functioning in children.
  • This study underscores the importance of assessing and treating iron deficiency in pediatric RLS patients to enhance overall well-being.

Keywords:
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorderChildrenIronPsychosocial problemsQuality of lifeRestless legs syndrome

More Related Videos

Human Circadian Phenotyping and Diurnal Performance Testing in the Real World10:16

Human Circadian Phenotyping and Diurnal Performance Testing in the Real World

Published on: April 7, 2020

9.6K
Author Spotlight: Overcoming Challenges in Drosophila Sleep Measurement Using DAM System05:59

Author Spotlight: Overcoming Challenges in Drosophila Sleep Measurement Using DAM System

Published on: October 20, 2023

2.9K

Related Concept Videos

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...
931
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...
2.9K
Chronopharmacokinetics: Circadian Rhythms and Influence on Drug Response01:15

Chronopharmacokinetics: Circadian Rhythms and Influence on Drug Response

Circadian rhythms are cyclic changes that are crucial in plasma drug concentrations. Various standard circadian parameters, including core body temperature, heart rate, and other cardiovascular factors, directly impact disease states and the therapeutic response to drug therapy.
The time of drug administration is an important factor to consider, as it can influence the toxic dose of a drug. For example, a study conducted by Prins et al. in 1997 examined the effects of the timing of...
498
Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation02:19

Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation

The biological clock is involved in many aspects of regulating complex physiology in all animals. It was in 1935 when German zoologists, Hans Kalmus and Erwin Bünning, discovered the existence of circadian rhythm in Drosophila melanogaster. However, the internal molecular mechanisms behind the circadian clock remained a mystery until 1984, when Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash, and Michael W. Young discovered the expression of the Per gene oscillating over a 24-hour cycle. In subsequent...
3.4K
Management of Insomnia01:19

Management of Insomnia

The sleep cycle, an integral part of human health, consists of several stages with distinct characteristics and functions. It begins with a transition from wakefulness to sleep, known as the light sleep phase, followed by the restorative deep sleep phase, essential for physical recovery and growth. The cycle concludes with the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase, characterized by high brain activity and vivid dreaming. Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, involves difficulty falling asleep, staying...
785
Alterations in Muscle Tone lll01:11

Alterations in Muscle Tone lll

Rigidity and myotonia are distinct abnormalities of muscle tone that affect resistance and relaxation during movement. Although both involve altered muscle contraction, they arise from different neurological and muscular mechanisms.CharacteristicsRigidity is characterized by uniform resistance to passive movement across the entire range, independent of speed, affecting flexors and extensors equally. It may appear as lead-pipe rigidity (smooth, constant resistance) or cogwheel rigidity...
29