Periodic limb movement disorder

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Periodic limb movement disorder

Periodic limb movement disorder is continuous or wild movements of the feet, arms, or legs during sleep. Sometimes the mouth and muscles in the belly also move.

The movements of periodic limb movement disorder last for up to 10 seconds and may repeat after 5 to 90 seconds.

A person who has periodic limb movement disorder may wake up during the movements. This can interfere with sleep and cause sleepiness during the time the person wants to be awake.

If periodic limb movement disorder is causing problems, a doctor may suggest medicines that prevent the movements or help with sleep during the movements.

Periodic limb movement disorder is more common in older adults than in younger people. It is diagnosed through sleep studies done in sleep lab.

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Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

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Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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