Rhythmic Movement Disorder (RMD) is a sleep-related condition that can greatly affect both sleep quality and safety. It is common in children and may occur during sleep or awake periods. Let’s explore more about sleep-related rhythmic movement disorder and how to manage it in this guide.
What Is Sleep-Related Rhythmic Movement Disorder?
Broad, basic, and repetitive motions before or during sleep are symptoms of an RMD. These motions are not the same as tremors, jerks, or seizures. Moreover, they may impact the entire body, the limbs, or the head. Loud humming is one example of the rhythmic sounds that children with an RMD may produce.
Most children have RMD as a normal factor in early development. Additionally, 59% to 67% of 9-month-old babies exhibit some form of RMD, which is very typical during infancy. By the time they are 18 months old, the number has nearly been halved to 33%, and by the time they are 5 years old, only 6% of children remain afflicted.
Rhythmic movement is not an abnormal condition and is not necessarily a disorder. It will be counted as a disorder if the movements interfere with sleep cause some injuries or affect functioning during the day.
Types of Rhythmic Movements
Children suffering from RMD may show few types of repeated movement. Head-banging, body rocking and head rolling are the most common of them.
Head Banging: The youngster frequently and violently hits their head against the wall, headboard, mattress, pillow, or crib slats.
Head Rolling: Usually when lying on their back, the youngster moves their head back and forth.
Body Rocking: When on all fours, the youngster may rock their complete body forward and backward; when sitting up, they may only rock their upper body.
What Causes RMD
The exact cause of RMD remains unclear. However, research suggests that it could be associated with developmental processes in young children, as the majority tend to outgrow it by school age. In some cases, RMD may be linked to neurological factors. Although adults are less commonly affected, cases that persist into later life may be triggered by anxiety, stress, or other underlying sleep disorders.
Some researchers propose that RMD may have genetic roots, as it can run in families. Additionally, structural or functional changes in certain brain areas responsible for motor control may be involved. Because sleep rhythmic movement disorder doesn’t have a single known cause, understanding potential triggers for each individual can help tailor more effective management approaches.
What are the Risk Factors for Rhythmic Movement Disorder?
RMD is very common among children. It begins with the body rocking at the age of six months. It is followed by head-banging for nine months. However, at the age of 18 months, the rate of rhythmic movements drops to around 33%. By the time the child reaches 5 years of age, the rate is only 5%.
RMD in adults and teenagers has been reported infrequently. A central nervous system injury may cause the illness to manifest later in life. These behaviors in older kids or adults could be connected to one of the following:
- Mental illness
- Autism
- Additional neurodevelopmental conditions
Several factors increase the likelihood of RMD’s occurrence:
Age: RMD is most commonly seen in infants and young children, and a large percentage naturally outgrow it. However, for adults experiencing RMD, the impact can be more severe.
Family History: Having a family member with RMD may increase one’s risk. This suggests a potential genetic predisposition to the disorder.
Developmental Disorders: RMD is sometimes more prevalent in individuals with developmental disorders such as autism or intellectual disabilities. In such cases, the disorder may persist into adulthood or even become more pronounced.
Rhythmic Movement Disorder in Adults
Although RMD is primarily a child disorder, it can occasionally affect adults. Adult cases may emerge from high-stress situations, other sleep disorders, or developmental disorders. While rhythmic movements may seem benign, the physical intensity can disrupt sleep and sometimes lead to bruising or injury. Sleep RMD in adults can also place strain on relationships due to disrupted sleep for both partners.
If adults experience RMD the consequences can extend into daily life, affecting concentration, mood, and productivity. Additionally, since adults may feel stigmatized by their condition, managing the disorder often requires sensitivity and support from loved ones and healthcare providers.
RMD Symptoms
As discussed earlier, RMD is a common disease among children with repeated rolling, rocking, and banging motions. Although less common, adults may suffer from this condition. Affected individuals and their bedmates may also have sleep disturbances and daytime fatigue as a result of the disease. Sleep deprivation can exacerbate issues with focus, memory, and behavior.
Although it seldom results in significant injury, RMD can make those who have it feel embarrassed. Children and infants with RMD may sustain minor injuries or lose hair patches as a result of head bashing.
Rhythmic Movement Disorder Diagnosis
The diagnosis is easy as the symptoms are very visible. The doctor will take a history of the changes in the child’s routine, particularly the sleep cycle. It is recommended to take note of the sleep routine for 2 weeks and record it in a sleep diary.
Note any particular times that the actions take place. For your doctor’s review, try to get a video recording of the incident. This will provide the doctor with hints about the possible cause of your child’s issues.
Rhythmic Movement Disorder Treatment
Effective management of RMD often involves multiple behavioral strategies, some environmental adjustments, and sometimes medical interventions:
Behavioral Intervention
It can be beneficial to follow a regular sleep schedule, establish a relaxing evening ritual, and refrain from engaging in stimulating activities right before bed. Relaxation methods that lower stress, which might set off rhythmic movements, include breathing exercises, meditation, and mild stretching.
Medications
If behavioral therapy is not proving effective, the physicians may switch to medications. Low-dose antidepressants or sleep medications can sometimes be prescribed to reduce movement severity. However, medication is generally avoided unless symptoms are severe.
Protective Measures
Additionally, you can take some preventive measures to help aid in RMD treatment. Ensuring a safe sleep environment is important for individuals with RMD. This may include using padded bed rails, moving the bed away from walls, and placing cushions to reduce injury risk. Such measures are especially helpful for those who engage in intense head-banging or body-rocking.
Therapy and Counselling
If the RMD is linked with anxiety or depression, you can opt for counseling or therapy sessions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other therapy types may address the root causes, and aid individuals manage both the disorder and its triggers.
Conclusion
To conclude, sleep rhythmic movement disorder is a unique and often misunderstood sleep condition that can affect sleep quality and safety. Whoever this condition might affect, understanding its types and causes and exploring therapy options is necessary. Whether RMD occurs in childhood or persists into adulthood, a supportive environment, sound sleep hygiene, and potentially professional guidance can improve outcomes. For a reliable and trusted space for sleep study, opt for Home Sleep Center.
