brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders
Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Symptoms of PLMD and RLS
Both periodic limb movement disorder and restless legs syndrome interrupt sleep. As a result, people feel tired and sleepy during the day. The legs or arms typically twitch and jerk every 20 to 40 seconds during sleep. People are usually unaware of these movements and the brief awakenings that follow, but they may complain of sleeping poorly, waking up several times during the night, or feeling sleepy during the day. People do not have any abnormal sensations in their legs or arms. Bed partners may complain about being kicked. Typically, people with restless legs syndrome have an irresistible urge to move their legs when they are sitting still or lying down. People also often feel vague but intense strange sensations in their legs, sometimes accompanied by pain. The sensations may be described as burning, creeping, or tugging or like insects crawling inside the legs. Walking or moving or stretching the legs can relieve the sensations. People may pace, constantly move their legs while they are sitting, and toss and turn in bed. Thus, people have difficulty relaxing and falling asleep. During sleep, the legs may move spontaneously and uncontrollably, often awakening the sleeper. Symptoms are more likely to occur when people are under stress. Episodes may occur occasionally, causing few problems, or daily, depriving people of sleep and making it difficult to concentrate and function. 