Periodic Limb

Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) is a condition in which a person’s legs or arms twitch or move involuntarily and periodically during sleep. The limb movements typically occur 20 to 30 seconds apart, five or more times an hour, on and off throughout the night during periods of non-REM sleep. The rhythmic episodes usually involve a partial flexing of the big toe, ankle, knee and occasionally, the hips. The affected individual is usually unaware of the repetitive motion of the accompanying brief awakenings that disrupted sleep. Many times, limb movements are associated with obstructive sleep apnea, making it critical to perform a sleep study.

Sleep Problems page
MedicineNet.com
MedicineNet.com II
American Sleep Apnea Association
Sleep Channel
U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedLine Plus

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