Periodic limb movement disorder causes involuntary twitching of the arms and legs during sleep, with symptoms including waking up frequently, never falling into deep sleep, and unexplained fatigue. It is diagnosed using a sleep test and treated with anticonvulsant and insomnia medications. Age, neurological disorders, nutritional deficiencies, and certain medications can contribute to the disorder.
Periodic limb movement disorder, formally called sleep myoclonus or nocturnal myoclonus, is a type of sleep disorder in which the arms and legs involuntarily twitch, twitch, or twitch during a sleep cycle. Periodic limb movement disorder generally affects the legs and feet more than the arms. The most common movements include flexing the toes, legs and ankles. These movements can occur repeatedly every minute or so during sleep and are more rhythmic and severe than the contractions that normally occur when a person falls asleep. The condition does not show any symptoms while a person is awake; therefore, people who have the disorder are often unaware of the condition.
Restless legs syndrome, a nervous condition that causes uncomfortable sensations during lack of movement in the limbs, is sometimes misinterpreted as periodic limb movement disorder. However, periodic limb movement disorder is the only sleep condition that only becomes apparent during sleep and generally has no indicators while a person is awake. Some identifiable symptoms of the disorder that a person may be able to recognize are if they frequently wake up without warning, never fall into a deep sleep, or suffer from unexplained fatigue. The disorder is usually brought to a doctor’s attention by a bed partner and is diagnosed using a sleep test called a nocturnal polysomnogram which records brain waves, chemical signals and body movements while a patient sleeps.
There is no proven cause of periodic limb movement disorder; however, there are some issues that can contribute to the disorder. Age may be a factor as people over the age of 60 are typically more likely to have the condition. Those with neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease or narcolepsy, may also be more likely to suffer from periodic limb movement disorders. Nutritional deficiencies of iron or folic acid and some medications, such as antihistamines, antipsychotics, and antidepressants, can make the disorder worse. Patients with the disorder are also advised to avoid products that contain caffeine, such as coffee, tea, or chocolate, as the chemical stimulants in caffeine can increase the frequency and severity of the condition.
While there is no cure for periodic limb movement disorder, it is typically treated with the same anticonvulsant medications and insomnia medications used to treat the tremors associated with Parkinson’s disease. In severe cases, narcotics may be prescribed. These medications can reduce symptoms of the disorder to ensure that sleep movements don’t continue to be destructive.
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