Periodic Limb Movement Disorder

Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) is also sometimes called periodic leg movements while asleep. This is a sleep disorder during which there are constant cramps or jerky movements of the legs which are recurring and periodic as the name suggests and are involuntary, occurs for about every 20 to 40 seconds. This is most seen in middle and older age groups of people, drowsiness during the day because of a disturbed sleep in the night makes it a sleeping disorder. There are two kinds of periodic limb movement disorder, primary and secondary PLMD.

Symptoms

Sleeplessness during the day being the major symptom of PLMD, disturbed sleep at night time.
Bending of the knee joints, ankles and toes, often painful is reported.
Exhausting jerks and thrashing of the legs.
Movements are more frequent during the initial stages of sleep.

Causes

Although the reasons for primary PLMD is not known so far, secondary PLMD has a variety of reason.

Less iron content in the body and deficiency of essential minerals and vitamins.
Breathlessness during sleep disrupting sleep patterns – sleep apnea is one of the reasons.
Injury to the spinal cord and tumors. Problems with the nervous system , improper blood circulation
Diabetes and anemic conditions suffered by people sometimes results in this sleep disorder.
Stress , fatigue and people staying in extremely cold climates is another reason.
Kidney and certain muscle disorders.
Age among people is another reason for the leg movement disorder. People aged 30 to 50 and beyond are the most affected.
It can be genetically passed from parents to their children.
Urge to sleep during the day and feelings of weariness and fatigue and other sleep related disorders like Restless leg syndrome also lead to PLMD.
Excess intake and sudden withdrawals from alcohol and other sedatives are another reason for PLMD.
Using certain antidepressants too can lead to PLMD.

Care and Treatment

There is no particular treatment for PLMD, but certain careful health tips followed can offer some relief to the individual with this disorder.
Regular exercises like walking; stretching the legs and arms helps to an extent.
Keeping the body fit, diabetes in check, taking nutritious food can lessen PLMD.
It is important for the bed partners and family members to make the person suffering aware of his sleep disorder and encourage him to healthy lifestyle practices or see a physician.
Neglecting it can only make things worse, prompting the person to nap excessively during the day which results in poor concentration levels and lethargic behavior.

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