Definition
Nocturnal restlessness describes a condition in which – for various reasons – there is an increased feeling of nocturnal restlessness. The restlessness can be internal, i.e. psychological. However, a physical restlessness with the urge to move can also occur. Nocturnal restlessness often leads to sleep disorders with subsequent daytime tiredness.
The causes
Whether accompanying symptoms occur and what kind of symptoms they are depends largely on the cause of the nightly restlessness. If it is an overactive thyroid gland, restlessness can also occur during the day. It can also lead to increased irritability and nervousness, increased sweating, palpitations and unwanted weight loss.
If the nocturnal restlessness is based on a dementia development, further symptoms such as forgetfulness, disorientation, lack of recognition of persons who are actually known, abnormalities in communication and personality changes with increased irritability or depressive mood can occur. If stress is the cause of the complaints, additional symptoms such as increased irritability and emotional instability may also occur. Depression leads to brooding and circles of thought, early awakening, reduced joyfulness and loss of interest.
The diagnosis
Since the possible causes of nocturnal restlessness are very diverse and in most cases involve psychological causes that are difficult to grasp, it is not always easy to find a diagnosis. First of all, the exact anamnesis (recording of the medical history) plays a decisive role. First of all, it is important since when the symptoms have been present and whether they occur every night or only occasionally.
If they occur only occasionally, possible influencing factors such as evening exercise, alcohol consumption, late evening high-fat meals and the like should be sought. Also after psychological conflicts and stress should be asked in the discussion. Also with depressions it can come to nocturnal unrest conditions so that in the discussion also after the possible existence of a depression should be searched. If the medical history shows no indication of a psychological component or clear triggering factors and there is no suspicion of restless leg syndrome, further measures such as a blood sample can be taken. In this way, for example, hyperthyroidism can be detected.
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