If, while you sleep, your legs move repeatedly, you may be suffering from periodic limb movement disorder or PLMD. The symptoms may appear similar to restless leg syndrome, RLS, and although they are not the same condition both disorders can coexist. You can learn much more about periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) and other sleep disorders by reaching out to your sleep expert in Bradenton and Sarasota, FL, Dr. Jeremy McConnell.
Symptoms
The condition is rare in children but can occur at any age, and it involves twitching, cramping, and jerking movements, usually of your legs, but can also affect your arms.
These movements can happen about every 5 seconds or around 90 seconds and can last for up to an hour.
Just like with other sleep disorders, like with sleep apnea, many may not even be aware that you suffer from the condition, and it's typically a sleeping partner who notices the symptoms. It's often mistaken with insomnia, because of the sudden movements.
But, also like with sleep apnea, you may notice symptoms in the daytime, symptoms like sleepiness and fatigue. It's because even though you may not be awake during these episodes, they can still disrupt your sleep.
Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) in Bradenton and Sarasota, FL
Although there is no cure for the condition, treatment is available that can help relieve your symptoms, allowing you to get a full night's rest. Treatment includes lifestyle changes, typically to your diet and sleep routine, along with medication. It may also be necessary to address any underlying condition that can be contributing to PLMD as well as to treat other sleep disorders you may be suffering from.
To diagnose the condition, and other possible sleep disorders, our doctor may recommend a sleep study.
If you are concerned about periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) you can schedule a consultation in Bradenton and Sarasota, FL, with Dr. McConnell by dialing (941) 792-8383 for the Bradenton, FL, office and (941) 827-0701 for Sarasota, FL.