Restless leg syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder

While they are waiting to fall asleep, sufferers of restless leg syndrome report strange and annoying sensations that are usually in their calf muscles, but can also be in the arms as well. The sensations are so disturbing that the person has a strong compulsion to walk around, or at least move the legs, in an effort to get rid of them.

Periodic limb movement disorder is characterised by sometimes the whole body, but primarily the legs, twitching periodically during sleep. Unlike the restless legs syndrome, the person with periodic limb movement disorder is usually unaware of the action. However, they sleep poorly all the same, as either the movements briefly wake them, or their bed partner does.

 

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