Periodic Limb Movement Syndrome (PLMS) |top of page|
National Sleep foundation Periodic limb movements in sleep are repetitive movements, most typically
in the lower limbs, that occur about every 20-40 seconds. If you have PLMS, or sleep with someone
who has PLMS (also referred to as PLMD, periodic limb movement disorder), you may recognize these
movements as brief muscle twitches, jerking movements or an upward flexing of the feet. They cluster
into episodes lasting anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.
Talkaboutsleep.com Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD), formerly known as nocturnal myoclonus,
is a condition in which a person's legs or arms twitch or move involuntarily and periodically during
sleep. PLMD is not the same as night muscle spasms, or hypnic jerks, that occasionally occur when a
person is falling asleep. These jerks are normal. The limb movements typically occur 20 to 30
seconds apart, 5 or more times an hour, on and off throughout the night during periods of non-REM
sleep. The rhythmic episodes usually involve a partial flexing of the big toe, ankle, knee, and
occasionally, the hips. The affected individual is usually unaware of the repetitive motion or the
accompanying brief awakenings that disrupt sleep. Thus, people who have PLMD usually complain of
difficulty in falling asleep, staying asleep, or staying awake during the day. They may also note
restless sleep, hot or cold feet, or hair wearing off their legs. Bed partners often report being
kicked, fighting for bed covers, or being awakened by the movements.
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) |top of page|
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sleep disorder in which
a person experiences unpleasant sensations in the legs described as creeping, crawling, tingling,
pulling, or painful. These sensations usually occur in the calf area but may be felt anywhere from
the thigh to the ankle. One or both legs may be affected; for some people, the sensations are also
felt in the arms. These sensations occur when the person with RLS lies down or sits for prolonged
periods of time, such as at a desk, riding in a car, or watching a movie. People with RLS describe
an irresistible urge to move the legs when the sensations occur. Usually, moving the legs, walking,
rubbing or massaging the legs, or doing knee bends can bring relief, at least briefly. 4 pages. NIH
Publication No. 96-3645
National Sleep foundation If you have restless legs syndrome (RLS), or are a physician seeing a
patient with RLS, you'll probably recognize these symptoms:
Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation Restless Legs Syndrome cause creepy-crawly sensations in the
limbs, primary in the legs (but occasionally in the arms and trunk). The sensations have the
following features Occur during periods of inactivity. Become more severe at night, Are tied to an
overwhelming urge to move the limb, Are relieved by movement of the limb, Often cause difficulty
staying or falling asleep, which lead to feelings of daytime tiredness or fatigue, May cause
involuntarily jerking of the limbs during sleep and sometimes during wakefulness .
SleepNet Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a discomfort in the legs which is relieved by moving or
stimulating the legs. This feeling is difficult to describe and commonly referred to as a crawling,
tingling or prickling sensation. Medications have been found useful. Most likely situations for
symptoms to occur include Riding in a car, Watching TV, Reading, Inactivity, sitting (in a movie
theater for example), Lying in bed trying to fall asleep.
S.C. RLS Support Group What is the Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) ? This is a chronic condition
which occurs in 5-8% of the population. RLS has probably a disease for thousands of years, but it
was only first described in the English literature in 1672 by the physician, Sir Thomas Willis.
Oppenheim, in 1923, described the disease as a neurological disorder. Dr. Ekbom, a Swedish
neurologist, described the condition more fully in1944. The next year, in 1945, he named the
disease, Restless Legs Syndrome. Dr. Symonds, in 1953, used the term, Nocturnal Myoclonus, to
describe the leg jerks that occur at night.
Virtual Hospital "Restless legs" are an unpleasant creeping sensation deep in the legs when they
are at rest, especially in the evening and during the night. Some call them leg jitters or fidgety
legs. The sensation is deep inside the muscles or "bones" as if the whole leg was full of small
worms - "a diabolical feeling." It is discomfort rather than pain. They occur when the legs are at
rest, such as in the car, at bedtime or in the movies. The discomfort causes sufferers to walk up
and down as one patient said, "like a lost soul" or another, "like a caged bear." Others don't wake
up but kick so much they waken their spouse. Perhaps 1% but some say 5% or less of the population
have this problem and it's more common in the elderly. Mild forms do occur that can be observed in
the sleep lab but do not disturb the person. No abnormality can be found on examining the nervous
system, the muscles or on doing any lab tests. Men have it more than women, but it is common in
middle-aged women. About a third have a family history of similar problems. It does not alter one's
life span.
Talkaboutsleep.com Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder in which patients
experience irrepressible sensations in the legs or arms while sitting or lying still. Terms used to
describe RLS may include creepy, crawly, pulling, tingling, itching, or gnawing. Often the person
with RLS has difficulty being specific about the sensations in their legs. The sensations are rarely
described as painful. RLS differs from the "pins and needles" feeling when the blood supply is cut
off from a limb ("My foot fell asleep!"). These uncomfortable feelings usually begin in the evening
and upon arrival to bed, unless severe, RLS is absent during the morning and early afternoon.