|
|
|
|
Posted by Greg Harper on February 26, 1998 at 19:19:49:In Reply to: Rocking to get to sleep posted by Chuck on February 10, 1998 at 13:35:17:
Chuck:
This may just be a shot in the dark, but what you have discribed sounds like a rhythmic body movement disorder. Jactatio capitis nocturna refers to a stereotypic movement disorder that mainly involves the head and occurs typically during times of rest, drowsiness, or sleep.
Although most commonly seen in infants and toddlers, the condition can persist into adulthood. Usually, the disorder spontaneously goes into remission during the first four years of life.The cause of the disorder is unknown.
Three variations of the disorder can occur and are termed "headbanging", "bodyrocking", and
"headrolling" depending on the predominant type of body movement. Each variation may be present in any one individual; however, typically only one form of the disorder is present at any one time.
It sounds like you have the "bodyrocking" variety.The majority of patients do not require treatment and the disorder resolves spontaneously as stated above.
It is interesting to note that restraining devices are generally ineffective or cause frustration for the individual. So don't have your roomates try to tie you down.
Behavior modification has been reported to be effective in isolated cases. Pharmacological intervention may involve seditives, benzodiazepines, and tricyclic anti-depressant medications.
I guess that unless you are having other symptoms of disturbed sleep, like excessive daytime sleepiness, the rocking movement seems pretty benign. That is, unless you start rocking before you fall asleep in class and your professor sees you...
Good luck in school!
Greg
Copyright ©1995-2000 Sleepnet.com, All rights reserved.