Information About Common Sleep Disorders

Millions of Americans suffer from sleepiness during normal waking hours. This is not healthy for them or those around them. Sleepiness affects people when they are not getting proper sleep, which may be caused by several different factors. Should someone experience sleepiness for three or more days per week, it is strongly suggested that they visit their family physician for further evaluation.

IMPORTANT: The information contained on/within this web site/web page is provided as a public service by REM Sleep Diagnostics, which is soley responsible for any/all content. NO attempt to provide clinical diagnosis and/or treatment of/for any medical condition is made, offered, or inferred herein. Sleep Disorders may indicate, or, present in and of themselves, (a) serious health condition(s). Consult your primary care physician or other appropriate medical professional, should you suspect that you, or someone you know, may have a Sleep Disorder(s)

  1. Restless Leg SyndromePage Down
  2. Periodic Limb MovementPage Down
  3. Restless Leg Syndrome FoundationNew Page
  4. Movement Disorders on About.comNew Page

Restless Leg Syndrome

RLS is a sensory-motor disorder affecting five to ten percent of the population that can produce difficulty falling asleep or returning to sleep after an awakening. The symptoms are a "crawly," "achy," or painful sensation, usually in the lower legs (or less commonly in the arms), and a need to move (restlessness) that may temporarily relieve the sensory symptoms. At times, involuntary twitches or "jumps" of the limb may occur. Once this disorder begins, it often continues to progress with advancing age.

Heredity accounts for about thirty percent of cases. The remaining seventy percent of cases have no identifiable cause, although neuropathy, renal failure, alcohol or caffeine use, iron deficiency, or certain medications may contribute to the problem.

If the underlying causes of RLS cannot be determined, first-line treatment is with low doses of dopaminergic agents (e.g., L-Dopa). Other options include benzodiazepines, opiates, and anticonvulsants.

Periodic Limb Movement

Like RLS, Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD), also known as nocturnal myoclonus, is a movement disorder that disturbs sleep. Unlike RLS, PLMD involves involuntary movements that occur when the person is sleeping. Patients with RLS usually have PLMD, but most people with PLMD do not have RLS. Restlessness and nonrestorative sleep may be the only recognized symptoms in a patient with PLMD.The treatment of PLMD is similar to that of RLS.