Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 2, 2026

Author Spotlight: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Movement Observation in Cerebral Palsy
07:20

Author Spotlight: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Movement Observation in Cerebral Palsy

Published on: August 9, 2024

3.0K

Growing pains and periodic limb movements of sleep in children

Man Wai Wong1, Bruce D Williamson, Wen Qiu

  • 1School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|February 20, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Children with growing pains (GP) were three times more likely to have periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS). This suggests GP may be linked to restless legs syndrome, potentially sharing genetic factors.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Neurology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Growing pains (GP) are common in children, but their underlying mechanisms are not fully understood.
  • Periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS) are characterized by repetitive limb movements during sleep.
  • Restless legs syndrome (RLS) shares potential genetic links with GP, suggesting a possible connection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if there is an association between growing pains (GP) and periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS) in children.
  • To explore the hypothesis that GP may be part of the phenotypic spectrum of restless legs syndrome (RLS).

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 903 children (aged 3-16) who underwent polysomnography (PSG) between January 2009 and May 2010.
  • Inclusion criteria: children without neuromuscular or neurological/developmental disorders, assessed by a single sleep physician.
  • Data collected: current GP, PLMS index, apnea/hypopnea index, and demographics; GP diagnosed pre-PSG.

Main Results:

  • Growing pains (GP) were present in 43 of 230 eligible children.
  • Children with GP had a significantly higher PLMS index (≥ 5/h) at 25.6% compared to 10.2% in children without GP (OR 3.04, P=0.014).
  • The association between GP and PLMS remained significant after adjustment (aOR 2.53, P<0.05); both were linked to restlessness as an indication for PSG.

Conclusions:

  • Children with growing pains (GP) were three times more likely to exhibit periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS) during polysomnography (PSG).
  • The findings support an association between GP and PLMS.
  • This suggests GP may be a phenotypic manifestation within the spectrum of restless legs syndrome (RLS).
Abstract

Keywords:
adolescentchildgrowing painsperiodic limb movements of sleeppolysomnographyrestless legs syndrome

More Related Videos

How to Obtain Reliable Visual Event-related Potentials in Newborns07:39

How to Obtain Reliable Visual Event-related Potentials in Newborns

Published on: October 24, 2019

5.7K
Dynamic Digital Biomarkers of Motor and Cognitive Function in Parkinson's Disease10:28

Dynamic Digital Biomarkers of Motor and Cognitive Function in Parkinson's Disease

Published on: July 24, 2019

16.7K

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
Nightmares and Night Terrors01:18

Nightmares and Night Terrors

Nightmares and night terrors represent two distinct types of sleep disturbances that differ in timing, characteristics, and the sleeper's recall of the event. Nightmares are vivid, disturbing dreams that usually awaken the sleeper from REM sleep, a stage of sleep where brain activity is high, and dreams are most frequent. Upon awakening, individuals often have detailed recollections of their nightmares, which can include themes of threats to survival, security, or self-esteem.
Nightmares...
1.0K
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
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:
3.0K
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.
891
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