Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) causes arms or legs to move during sleep, occurring at 20-30 second intervals, and is associated with restless leg syndrome. PLMD can cause poor sleep habits, daytime sleepiness, and insomnia. The cause is unknown, but it is associated with circulatory problems and metabolic disorders. Treatment includes finding the underlying cause, medications, and vitamin and mineral supplements.
Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) is a condition in which an individual’s arms or legs move during sleep. Formally referred to as nocturnal myoclonus, PLMD is not the same as the nocturnal muscle spasms that normally occur when falling asleep. In this condition, limb movement occurs at 20-30 second intervals, five or more times per hour. These movements occur constantly throughout the night during periods of non-REM sleep.
Episodes of PLMD generally involve partial flexion of the ankle, knee, big toe, and sometimes the hips. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is the most common form of this disorder. People with this condition have a feeling of restlessness in their legs, accompanied by cramps, muscle twitching, and body aches.
PLMD can range in severity from small, continuous ankle movements, to arm and leg flailing or strenuous kicking movements. Oral, nasal, and abdominal movements may also occur. In periodic limb movement disorder, the sufferer is usually unaware of repetitive movements. Those affected by this condition commonly complain of difficulty falling and staying asleep, or the inability to stay awake during daylight hours.
Individuals with PLMD also report hot and cold feet, burning sensations in the limbs, and depression. This debilitating disorder is known to cause poor sleep habits, which can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness and insomnia. The occurrence of periodic limb movement disorders increases with age. In the United States, PLMD is estimated to occur in 5% of people between the ages of 30 and 50 and 44% of those over the age of 65.
The cause of periodic limb movement disorder is currently unknown. Some doctors speculate that the thalamus and cerebellum of the brain may be involved, while others believe the condition originates in the spinal cord. PLMD often occurs in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease, or metabolic disorders. The condition is also associated with circulatory problems.
The first step in treating PLMD is finding the underlying cause. Diabetes, anemia, and some antidepressants can cause your legs to move. Treating these existing problems can often ease the symptoms associated with this condition.
There are a number of medications that can help a person with PLMD. Sleeping pills can prevent frequent awakenings; however, these pills will not reduce leg movement. Pain medications can reduce the number of movements, but they don’t treat insomnia effectively. Drugs used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease appear to be currently the most effective treatment for movement and insomnia associated with PLMD. Vitamin and mineral supplements have also shown success, but have yet to be clinically proven.
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