Cause 14. Periodic Limb Movement Disorder: The Sleep Intruder
Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) is a sleep disorder where the patient experiences involuntary, repetitive movements of the limbs during sleep. These movements often involve the legs but can also affect the arms. They can be brief muscle twitches, jerking movements, or an upward flexing of the feet.
Those suffering from PLMD might not even be aware of their condition, but these recurrent movements can cause arousals and interruptions in sleep, leading to fragmented, unrefreshing sleep. As a consequence, individuals with PLMD may suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue due to the lack of quality sleep.
The exact cause of PLMD is unknown, but it’s been associated with certain medical and mental health conditions like narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It’s also been linked to the use of certain medications, including some antidepressants, and the withdrawal from sedative medications.
There is no specific test for PLMD; diagnosis typically involves an overnight sleep study to record and analyze the limb movements. The treatment approach for PLMD generally involves managing any underlying conditions, improving sleep hygiene, and in some cases, medication may be prescribed to reduce or eliminate the limb movements. (14)
