Restless sleep is a frequent complaint in clinical practice and has been reported in the medical literature since the 1970s. Most often it has been described in association with specific sleep or medical conditions. However, more recently, publications have emerged that describe a disorder characterized by restless sleep as the core feature. To assess this further, the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) appointed a task force composed of international sleep experts.
Based on the medical literature and expert clinical experience, the task force found sufficient evidence to formulate diagnostic criteria for a clinical entity designated “restless sleep disorder” (RSD). Eight essential criteria were agreed upon, which include a complaint of restless sleep, observed large body movements during sleep, video-polysomnographic documentation of 5 or more large body movements/hour, occurrence at least three times a week for at least three months, clinically significant impairment, and differentiation from other conditions that might secondarily cause restless sleep. The current evidence limits application to ages 6-18 years. Diagnostic coding, addition to existing diagnostic nosologies, and name selection are discussed in the paper.
These consensus diagnostic criteria for RSD are intended to improve clinical practice and promote further research.
Key Points:
• Based on the medical literature and expert clinical experience, the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group task force found sufficient evidence to formulate diagnostic criteria for pediatric clinical entity designated “restless sleep disorder”.
• Eight essential criteria were agreed upon, which include a complaint of restless sleep, observed large body movements during sleep, video-polysomnographic documentation of 5 or more large body movements/hour, occurrence at least three times a week for at least three months, clinically significant impairment, and differentiation from other conditions that might secondarily cause restless sleep.
• These consensus diagnostic criteria for RSD are intended to improve clinical practice and promote further research.
References:
DelRosso L.M., Ferri R., Allen R. P., et al. Consensus diagnostic criteria for a newly defined pediatric sleep disorder: restless sleep disorder (RSD). Sleep Medicine 75 (2020) 335-340. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1389945720303671