Periodic limb movements during sleep PLMS

Similar to RLS, periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) is a sleep disorder in which people move their limbs (particularly the legs) during sleep. In PLMS, a person involuntarily twitches their legs every 20 to 40 seconds while sleeping. The difference between PLMS and RLS is that PLMS patients do not always feel the crawling uncomfortable sensations that make them want to move their legs. The limb movements in PLMS often occur during sleep while the person is completely unaware of them. However, occasionally PLMS can cause the person to... 

Periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS)—A sleep disorder in which people move their limbs (particularly the legs) during sleep. 

Periodic limb movement is characterized by periodic episodes of repetitive and highly stereotyped limb movements that occur during sleep (12). It is reported to affect up to 34% of patients over age 60 years, and 1-15% of patients with insomnia. Movements are associated with partial awakening or arousals. Patients with isolated periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) without RLS may be asymptomatic. 

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