Are you suffering from restless legs syndrome or periodic limb movement disorder?

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) and periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) are similar conditions that exhibit many of the same symptoms. It is probable that if you suffer from one, you will also experience the other. The key variation in these conditions is that RLS occurs while you are awake, while PLMD takes place when you are asleep.

Both conditions can affect your sleep. RLS prevents you from getting to sleep, whereas PLMD results in poor sleep quality and frequent waking during the night. This can cause significant stress, with jobs, relationships, and daily life negatively affected through a lack of sleep.

Restless legs syndrome is a sensory disorder, characterised by an overwhelming desire to move the legs while at rest. This urge to fidget or stretch the legs is often accompanied by unpleasant sensations and pain. It may be triggered by long periods of inactivity such as long flights, car rides, or relaxation.

The symptoms of restless legs syndrome include:

• Overwhelming urge to move the legs after a period of rest
• Uncomfortable tingling, crawling, throbbing, itching, or pulling sensation in the legs
• Relief when moving the legs through jiggling, stretching, or walking
• Symptoms worsening in the evening
• Difficulty falling asleep

Periodic limb movement disorder is a condition where limbs (usually the lower extremities) repeatedly twitch, jerk, or kick during sleep. These repetitive movements occur roughly every 20 to 90 seconds and take place during light, non-REM sleep.

The symptoms of periodic limb movement disorder include:

• Sudden limb jerking while asleep (reported by bed partner)
• Frequent awakening
• Non-restorative sleep causing daytime fatigue and irritability

The causes of restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder are still unknown. Some scientists theorise an imbalance of dopamine is to blame due to its connection to muscle movement control. While there is no known root cause of these conditions, there are risk factors that make you more susceptible.

Both conditions increase in likelihood with age. RLS is more common among women. PLMD is not gender-related.

Both RLS and PLMD are often symptoms of other underlying conditions or factors such as:

• Diabetes
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Iron deficiency
• Kidney failure
• Spinal cord conditions
• Sleep apnoea
• Narcolepsy
• Anaemia
• Side effects of medication

Medical treatments and medications can be used to treat more severe cases of RLS and PLMD. These include dopamine agonists, anticonvulsant medications, and benzodiazepines.

While there is no ‘cure’ for these conditions, lifestyle adjustments such as limiting alcohol and caffeine and improving diet can significantly alleviate symptoms of RLS and PLMD. Lifestyle changes work because they help to alleviate the common conditions that result in these symptoms.

Due to the numerous triggers of RLS and PLMD, a holistic approach to treatment is the most effective.