Notice: Users may be experiencing issues with displaying some pages on stanfordhealthcare.org. We are working closely with our technical teams to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience.
 

Learn about the flu shot, COVID-19 vaccine, and our masking policy »

Stanford Health Care

PERIODIC LEG MOVEMENT, SLEEP FRAGMENTATION AND CENTRAL SLEEP-APNEA IN 2 CASES - REDUCTION WITH CLONAZEPAM EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY JOURNAL Guilleminault, C., Crowe, C., QUERASALVA, M. A., Miles, L., Partinen, M. 1988; 1 (8): 762-765

Abstract

Two subjects presented with periodic leg movement (PLM) syndrome during sleep that was characterized by marked sleep fragmentation and repetitive short central apnoeas. Treatment of PLM using Clonazepam, a benzodiazepine with hypnotic properties, markedly reduced the sleep fragmentation due to PLM and, despite its depressant properties on the central nervous system, controlled the repetitive central apnoeas. These two observations, although rare, give insight into the role of non-ventilatory variables in the development of sleep apnoea. Significant sleep fragmentation should be considered when assessing factors leading to respiratory instability during sleep and/or the pathophysiology of sleep apnoea syndromes.

View details for Web of Science ID A1988Q868200016

View details for PubMedID 3234522