Periodic Limb Movement Disorder
Medical Author:
Wayne E Anderson, DO
Medical Editor:
Selim R Benbadis, MD
Medical Editor:
Mary L Windle, PharmD
Medical Editor:
Stephen Berman, MD, PhD
Periodic Limb Movement Disorder OverviewPeriodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) is repetitive cramping or jerking of the legs during sleep. It is the only movement disorder that occurs only during sleep, and it is sometimes called periodic leg (or limb) movements during sleep. "Periodic" refers to the fact that the movements are repetitive and rhythmic, occurring about every 20-40 seconds. PLMD is also considered a sleep disorder, because the movements often disrupt sleep and lead to daytime sleepiness. Viewer Comments & ReviewsPeriodic Limb Movement Disorder - DiagnosisThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:How was your periodic limb movement disorder diagnosed? |
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Periodic Limb Movement Disorder
What Is Insomnia?
Insomnia is the most common sleep complaint among people. Insomnia is defined as difficultly falling asleep, staying asleep, or both, resulting in inadequate length of sleep and/or poor quality of sleep, which may affect a person's ability to function during the day. Insomnia also may affect quality of life, work performance, and overall health. Insomnia is not a disease, but a symptom associated with a variety of medical, psychiatric, or sleep disorders.
What Causes Insomnia?
Insomnia is usually a transient or short-term condition (lasting less than 3 months). In some cases insomnia can become chronic (more than 6 months).
Transient insomnia specifically lasts up to 1 week and is associated with acute situational stress factors such as a job interview or exam. It usually resolves once the person has adjusted to stress factor, or it is no longer a concern. It can however reemerge when new or similar stres...
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Periodic Limb Movement Disorder »
Periodic limb movement (PLM) disorder is unique in that the movements occur during sleep.
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