Sleep disorders
Information, Symptoms, Treatments and Resources
Bizarre Sleep Disorders
Periodic Limb Movement Disorder
Periodic Limb Movement Disorder
A cousin of restless leg syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) has people unknowingly moving their toes, feet and legs — and sometimes their upper body — while asleep. These movements are usually repetitive, occurring in 5- to 90-second intervals.
Periodic limb movement disorder is a problem for older people (about 30 percent of people over age 65 have likely suffered from the disorder) and it can be present in those with restless legs syndrome, according to Dr. Walia. Those with diabetes, iron deficiency or spinal cord injury may also have a higher risk of PLMD.
Many people aren’t aware they have the condition unless their partner tells them about it or their own movements wake them up.
By Erin Golden. Published October 29, 2013. Erin Golden is a writer based in Nebraska. She is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.
