Periodic Limb Movement: Frequently Asked Questions

person with Periodic Limb Movement Syndrome suffers from repetitive, involuntary twitches or jerks of a person’s legs, or, rarely, arms, which occur during sleep. The twitches are called periodic limb movements (PLMs). These twitches can awaken a person, usually for only a few seconds at a time, over and over throughout the night. In some cases, a person may awaken dozens or even hundreds of times a night. These disruptions in sleep can then leave a person tired or sleepy all day, as though he hadn’t slept at all. ...

An urge to move your legs when sitting or lying still for a long time A “funny,” uncomfortable, creepy or itchy sensation in your legs when at rest Jerking movements of your legs during sleep Symptoms are usually most troublesome at night though they can also occur during long stretches of inactivity, such as car trips, airline travel, in meetings, or when watching movies

PLM occurs during sleep. People suffering from PLM are not always aware of their problem although it does sometimes wake them up. While not all people with RLS experience PLM, many people will have both conditions.

Periodic limb movement disorder, or PLMD, is a condition that causes people to jerk and kick their legs every 20 to 40 seconds during sleep. PLMD often disrupts sleep -- not only for the patient but the bed partner as well. One study found that roughly 40 percent of older adults have at least a mild form of PLMD.

Sometimes prior to and at initial bedtime, people will experience an uncontrollable urge to move their legs, or feel like their legs are “crawly” or “itchy”. This may be Restless Leg Syndrome. When the limb movements occur during sleep periodically, this is called Periodic Limb Movement Syndrome.

Periodic Limb Movement Disorder occurs in both adults and children. The possibility of having it increases with age, making it very common in the elderly. It occurs in up to 34% of people over 60 years old. Periodic Limb Movement Disorder can be influenced and caused by a number of factors. ...

The risk factors of Periodic Limb Movement Disorder include: Family history of the patient If the patient is suffering from diseases such as peripheral neuropathy, kidney failure, Parkinson’s disease, anemia due to low levels of iron, multiple sclerosis. Caffeine, some antidepressants, theophylline, calcium channel blockers. Stress, hormonal imbalance, diet, pregnancy

Usually, you are unaware of the movements. This can make it very hard for you to know if you have periodic limb movements. Someone who sleeps in the same bed with you would be more likely to notice the movements. If you feel like you are never well-rested, even after a full night sleep or if you often feel tired during the day, or if someone has told that your body makes unusual, repetitive movements while you sleep, then you might have Periodic Limb Movement Disorder It is also important to know if there are any other reasons that ...

The Rebel Program is meant to apply strictly to RLS. It's possible, however, that with some adjustments, it would also be effective with other problems. The big difference with PLMD and RLS, is that with PLMD you are asleep, and not consciously applying any treatments. You MIGHT be able to use the Reduction Plan to minimize your PLMD symptoms, and you MIGHT be able to apply the BOTA as a "before going to sleep" program, or a program for when you are awakened by the PLMD during the night. Experiment. Anything is possible.