Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 16, 2025

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood
Published on: October 2, 2019
Restless sleep disorder in children with NREM parasomnias
Gulcin Benbir Senel1, Esra Kochan Kizilkilic1, Derya Karadeniz1
1Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Sleep and Disorders Unit, Istanbul, Turkey.
Study Objectives:
Restless sleep disorder (RSD) is a newly defined sleep disorder in the pediatric age group. Here, we investigated the frequency of RSD and the sleep characteristics in children with NREM (non-rapid eye movements) parasomnias associated with RSD.
Methods:
We analyzed all patients with NREM parasomnias for the last 1 year, and investigated the clinical and polysomnographic characteristics.
Results:
Twenty-eight children with NREM parasomnias and age- and gender-matched 20 healthy children were analyzed. The diagnosis of RSD was made in eight children with NREM parasomnias (28.6%), and none of the children had RSD in controls (p = 0.008). The most common diagnosis among children with RSD was somnambulism (six children), but not significantly (p = 0.308). Sleep efficiency was lower in children with RSD than those without RSD (p = 0.033). In cyclic alternating pattern analysis (CAP), CAP rate, durations and the indices of phases A1, A2, and A3 were significantly higher in children with NREM parasomnias in compared to controls. CAP parameters between children with or without RSD; however, were similar, except for higher index of phase A3 in children with RSD, suggesting arousal reactions accompanying RSD.
Conclusions:
We demonstrated that RSD was present in almost one third of the children with NREM parasomnias. Sleep quality was worse in children with NREM parasomnias and RSD. An increase in sleep instability compatible with NREM parasomnia was present, while an increased phase A3 in RSD was remarkable. RSD is associated with a worse sleep quality and increased arousals, and should be questioned in children with NREM parasomnias.
More Related Videos
05:59Author Spotlight: Overcoming Challenges in Drosophila Sleep Measurement Using DAM System
Published on: October 20, 2023
06:23A 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
Related Concept Videos
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
RBD is significantly associated with...
Sleep-Wake Cycles
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
Nightmares and Night Terrors
Nightmares...
Narcolepsy
Restless Leg Syndrome and Night Terrors
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...
Stages of Sleep
Before sleep begins, in wakefulness, the brain exhibits primarily beta waves, which are high in frequency and low in amplitude, indicating alertness...