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Sleep-related movement disorders and growing pains: differences in daytime and bedtime behavior in 2-6 year old

Marta Moraleda-Cibrián1, Sean Edwards2, Steven Kasten3

  • 1Michael Aldrich Sleep Disorders Laboratory and Sleep Disorders, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States; Sleep Disorders Center, Centro Médico Teknon, Barcelona, Spain.

Sleep Medicine
|August 14, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Children with cleft palate frequently experience sleep-related movement disorders (SRMD), such as periodic limb movements (PLMS) and restless leg syndrome (RLS). These conditions are linked to increased sleepiness and behavioral issues in young children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Craniofacial Anomalies Research

Background:

  • Behavioral difficulties are common in children with sleep disorders.
  • The association between sleep-related movement disorders (SRMD) and behavior in children with craniofacial clefts remains understudied.
  • Cleft palate can impact sleep and behavior, necessitating further investigation into associated sleep disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the frequency of SRMD and growing pains in young children with cleft palate.
  • To investigate the impact of SRMD and growing pains on daytime and bedtime behavior in this population.
  • To explore the relationship between specific sleep problems and behavioral difficulties in children with cleft palate.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional survey was conducted with children aged 2.0-6.9 years with cleft palate.
  • Parents completed the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire to assess for periodic limb movements (PLMS), restless leg syndrome (RLS), growing pains, sleepiness, and sleep duration/latency.
  • Behavioral difficulties were evaluated using the Conners' Early Childhood Questionnaire.

Main Results:

  • 14.1% of children screened positive for PLMS, 8.5% for RLS, and 9.9% for growing pains.
  • Children with PLMS or RLS reported significantly higher rates of sleepiness and longer sleep latency.
  • PLMS were associated with increased emotional and somatic symptoms, while sleepiness correlated with externalizing and psychiatric problems.

Conclusions:

  • Parents frequently reported PLMS, RLS, and growing pains in young children with cleft palate.
  • Daytime and bedtime behaviors are influenced by the presence of SRMD in children with cleft palate.
  • Sleepiness and other sleep variables may contribute to behavioral problems in children with cleft palate and SRMD symptoms.
Abstract

Keywords:
BehaviorCleft palateGrowing painsPeriodic limb movementsRestless legs syndromeSleepiness

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