Ever see the "Jimmy-legs" Seinfeld Episode?
by Anonymous

July 16, 2004 -- Get the Sleep you need and the Dreams you desire....

Author: Lisa Orr, BA, RPSGT
    
Leg Movement Disorders
Believe it or not, even our legs can affect the quality of our sleep. There are two distinct leg movement disorders known as Periodic Leg Movements (PLMs) and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). PLMs occur during sleep, hence we are unaware of these movements. RLS on the other hand occurs before we fall asleep, when we are at rest. Individuals with RLS are fully aware of their leg movements because they are essential in alleviating the uncomfortable sensations which accompany restless legs. RLS keeps us from falling asleep, while PLMs disrupt our sleep and prevent us from getting good refreshing sleep. Someone can have PLMs without having RLS. However, individuals with RLS almost always have PLMs. It can get to be a bit confusing, so we'll take a closer look at the difference between the two.

How do we measure leg movements in a sleep lab?
During overnight testing electrodes are places on each leg just below the knee on the anterior tibialis muscle. These electrodes are extra long and allow the patient to move his/her legs comfortably without tugging on the wires. When someone moves their legs during the night, there are bursts of activity recorded on the leg movement channels. That is how we know the legs are moving during the night. The technologist analyzing the recordings can count the number of leg movements a person has and can also detect if the leg movements wake someone up once they have fallen asleep.

Periodic Leg Movements (PLMs)
PLMs are also known as nocturnal myoclonus. Sometimes they are also referred to as periodic limb movements because they can also occur in the arms. Some laboratories will place electrodes on the arms as well.

It is important to remember that PLMs occur during sleep. The leg movements can result in several arousals or awakenings during the night, thus causing a complaint of insomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness. Patients are usually unaware of the movements because they occur before the awakenings. Due to the fragmentation of sleep, patients often awaken in the morning feeling tired and unrefreshed. It is as though they have been merely been catnapping between their leg movements.

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Restless legs syndrome is a disorder which interferes with sleep onset. While trying to fall asleep, a person suffering from RLS will experience sensations in their legs which can only be relieved by movement. The sensations have been described as aches, discomfort, creeping and/or crawling feelings, itchiness, and tingling.

From Robert: Remember. Sleep disorders are often undiagnosed and untreated. To get informed visit www.sleepebooks.com and get a copy a SHOUT! SLEEP!. It is a fun and informative e-book.




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