Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) is a sleep disorder where a person experiences twitching, cramping or movement in their extremities while they are sleeping.

These movements cannot be controlled and happen at intervals throughout the night. These movements are very similar to what are seen in seizures, but it has been discovered that they are not seizures at all.

This twitching happens in repetition and rhythm every twenty to forty seconds. Often times, they will occur 5 times or more within a short hour. During REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep they typically disappear all together.

The reason that it is classified as a sleep disorder is because it makes it hard to sleep soundly and the result is usually sleepiness during the next day. It is also common to see the big toe, hip, ankle and knee spasming partially during PLMD.

How is PLMD Different from Restless Leg Syndrome?

Many people think of restless leg syndrome when talking about PLMD but they are, in fact, a totally different medical problems. Restless leg syndrome occurs during the day and it feels like your legs have funny sensations in them and you cannot help but want to move them.

The strange thing is that most people who suffer with restless leg syndrome also suffer with PLMD. However, it does not work in vice-versa.

How PLMD Affects You

Periodic limb movement disorder really can affect your health because it leave you constantly feeling worn out during the day. If it is not addressed people who suffer with it often become depressed, fatigued, have a short attention span or suffer from memory loss.

There is no age limit for this medical situation to occur but it is more typical in the elderly and middle aged people.

Diagnosis, Causes of PLMD

Before determining if you are suffering with PLMD the doctor will take a close look at your medical history. You should try to keep a diary for several weeks prior to your visit. Write down any patterns you notice in your sleep and how you feel the next day.

There is a really good chance you will have to spend a couple nights in a sleep center so that a good diagnosis can be made. They will keep track of brain waves, arm/leg movements, heart beat and breathing patterns. If you are suffering with any other sleep disorders they will also show up in the test.

Doctors are unsure exactly what causes PLMD to occur but there are many things that likely contribute to it including: an injury to the spinal cord, pregnancy, multiple system atrophy, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease, sleep related eating disorder, metabolic disorders, poor circulation and low brain iron.

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