How Leg and Limb Movements Can Cause Sleep Issues
There are lots reasons behind a lack of sleep. But two of them have to do with a person’s arms and legs jerking and twitching uncontrollably. This occurs when they are trying to fall asleep or after they have fallen asleep the sporadic movement of their limbs stirs them from their sleep.
This agitated state can be either Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) or Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMB).
Below are a few facts about both of these well known problems along with some helpful information on ways to control them if you suspect one of these may be the cause of your sleep deprivation.
Restless Leg Syndrome: This is an uncomfortable sleeping related issue where your legs and arms can twitch quite violently or your legs are in such an un-relaxed state with charlie-horse like feelings that the only way to alleviate the pain or discomfort is by shifting them around. By shifting your legs it eradicates the bad feeling or discomfort. However once you start to relax again or try to fall asleep, the sensation returns.
A person knows if they suffer from RLS if they noticed a sudden urge to move their legs or because they feel jittery, a hot feeling on their legs or like something is crawling on their legs. This may be felt while either lying down or sitting up and if you move your legs and these odd feelings go away, then it’s likely you have Restless Leg Syndrome.
Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (or Syndrome): This is when your legs and/or your arms involuntarily move about while you are sleeping. Sometimes a person awakens when this happens and if there is a sleeping partner in the bed, it often disrupts their sleep as well. In lots of cases people who suffer from RLS have been known to suffer from PLMD.
Periodic Limb Movement Disorder happens at odd intervals throughout one’s life and strikes any age group. However it is mainly older people who suffer the most. There are two types of PLMD, primary and secondary.
Like with any sleep disorder you can of course help get a better nights sleep by trying over the counter sleeping pills.
Important Note: This article is for information purposes only and is NOT medical advice. You should consult your doctor if you have concerns over your health or before you take any sleeping aids.
This entry was posted on Thursday, July 30th, 2009 at 5:00 am and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.