Periodic Limb Movement Disorder - Movement Disorders In Sleep: Sleep Disorders

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

Periodic limb movement disorder

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Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), a neurological condition, is similar to RLS, except that it occurs during sleep. During the night, the leg muscles involuntarily contract every 15–45 seconds, which causes jerking movements that at least partially rouse the person from sleep. The same movement (involving the hip, knee, or ankle) may be repeated hundreds of times a night. Unless a bed partner complains, the affected person will likely remain oblivious to the movements and baffled at feeling tired after what he or she believes was a full night's rest.

PLMD is more common than its relative, RLS. Up to 50% of elderly people experience such leg movements during sleep. Nearly everyone with RLS will also have PLMD.

Movement disorders in sleep: 3 of 4

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Last updated:	January 23, 2007

Medical content reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School. Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.

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