Do You Have Periodic Limb Movements of Sleep?

Do your twitching limbs keep you from getting a good night's sleep? You may have periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS), a sleep disturbance that can leave you feeling exhausted. Dr. Richard Bogan, Columbia, SC, sleep doctor at Bogan Sleep Consultants helps area patients manage the unpleasant symptoms of PLMS.

What is PLMS?

If you have PLMS, your limbs twitch or jerk while you sleep. The problem can not only disrupt your sleep, but may also keep your partner or spouse awake. PLMS symptoms happen during non-rapid eye movement sleep, which occurs when you've just fallen into a light sleep.

Jerking or twitching commonly occurs in the legs, hips, feet and toes, but may also affect the arms. The limb movements may occur every few seconds and can last several seconds or as long as an hour. Although PLMS isn't a serious condition, it can affect the quality of your life if it happens on a regular basis. PLMS can cause chronic fatigue and affect your memory and ability to concentrate.

Who gets PLMS?

Anyone can develop PLMS, although it's less common in young people. In some cases, an underlying medical problem, such as diabetes, anemia, narcolepsy or sleep apnea, may trigger PLMS symptoms. You may also be more likely to experience limb jerking or twitching if you're taking certain antidepresssants or anti-psychotic medications.

Some people who have PLMS also have restless legs syndrome (RLS), a condition that causes uncomfortable feelings in the legs that can only be relieved by moving them.

How can a visit to the sleep doctor help me?

If your Bogan sleep doctor determines that you have PLMS, he can recommend strategies that may help relieve or reduce your symptoms. Stretching exercises, yoga, meditation and regular physical activity may help reduce bouts of PLMS. Treating sleep apnea and other underlying disorders often helps improve PLMS disorder.

Your sleep doctor may also prescribe medications that will help reduce your symptoms. Some medications are also effective in relieving RLS symptoms.

Find relief of your PLMS symptoms with a visit to the sleep doctor! Call Dr. Richard Bogan of Bogan Sleep Consultants in Columbia, SC, at (803) 251-3093 to schedule your appointment.