What is insomnia and periodic limb movement disorder during sleep?
Patients with periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) experience repetitive movements of the arms, legs, or feet during sleep. These movements are usually in the form of upward bending. The patient or his relatives may describe these movements as kicking or jumping. However, these patients do not experience any involuntary movements or symptoms while awake.
These patients may perform these involuntary movements for 5 to 90 seconds at a time, at least 15 times per hour. Because of this, he can wake up and therefore sleep disorders occur. Sleep disorders are a common disorder in these patients. The patient has difficulty falling or staying asleep. The patient is tired the next day, lack of attention and forgetfulness can be seen.
People diagnosed with Periodic Limb Movement Disorder do not have a conscious urge to move their limbs and do not experience discomfort as with Restless Legs Syndrome. The absence of the urge to move leaves many patients unaware of their unconscious movements at night.
This disease is more common in older people and women. Excessive coffee consumption and stress are also important causes. Periodic Sleep Limb Movement Disorder is also seen in 80% of Restless Legs Syndrome patients. This disease is often seen together with other sleep disorders. In addition, iron deficiency, kidney failure, diabetes and some depression medications can also cause this disease.
For diagnosis, involuntary movements during sleep are detected by polysomnography in these patients. Its treatment is similar to the treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome and patients can regain their perfect sleep with the treatment they will receive.
What is sleep-related rhythmic movement disorder?
Sleep-related rhythmic movement disorder is a condition characterized by repetitive movements that occur when a person is sleepy or during sleep. It is mostly seen in children. The patient can shake his body back and forth or left and right. He can move his whole body. He can shake his head or make circular movements with his head. Five or his neck can hit the pillow vertically or horizontally. He can swing his legs left and right or back and forth. They often hum or make noises during these movements.
The presence of these movements is considered a disease only if it affects sleep and causes insomnia. To diagnose the disease:
- Having repetitive rhythmic movements
- These movements occur in large muscle groups.
- These movements are associated with sleep.
- Depending on these movements, sleep disorders or indirect disturbances during the day should occur.
This condition often does not require treatment. If there is any other disease that causes this disease, it can be cured with its treatment.
The form seen in childhood can usually resolve spontaneously in later ages. However, if they cause serious sleep problems and injuries, they should be treated.
Some methods used in its treatment:
- Using protectors to prevent injury (e.g. head restraints etc.)
- Psychotherapies
- Pharmacological therapy (clonazepam may be considered)
- Behavioral therapy
- Hypnosis