title: [Relationship between periodic movements in sleep and vigilance: analysis of the role of circadian rhythms].
abstract: Periodic movements during sleep (PMS) are discussed in relation to several hypotheses concerning their etiology and their possible nosographic classification. In particular the role of central and peripheral events able to determine PMS is emphasized. The possible existence of space-intensity-time (SIT) patterns responsible for the vigilance profiles and the state of activity of central and peripheral effectors is also discussed. Finally the authors examine the modulating role of GABA on the circadian system and a possible metabolic instability of the GABAergic neurons responsible for PMS. This hypothesis is confirmed by the usefulness of clonazepam to treat such disorders.
authors.affiliation: Clinica Neurologica I, Università, Messina.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mento
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Silvestri
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: De Domenico
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Casella
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Di Perri
mesh_terms: D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D012890:Sleep / Q000502:physiology*; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
vernacular_title: Il rapporto tra i movimenti periodici in sonno e la vigilanza: analisi del ruolo dei ritmi circadiani.