Sleep is a crucial part of health, wellness, and daily life. When you get an adequate quantity of deep sleep, your body and brain undergo a complex physiological function to repair and re-energize. However, some people have difficulty achieving high-quality sleep due to neurological orders such as Periodic Limb Movement or Restless Leg Syndrome. While these disorders seem similar, they have distinct characteristics.
The Characteristics of Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is an ailment that induces an uncontrollable impulse to move either leg, often because of an uneasy irritating sensation. It typically happens in later hours of the day as the night approaches while sitting or lying down to rest. Aggressively moving the legs relieves the unpleasant feeling temporarily. RLS starts at any age and is known to worsen as one gets older. It often disrupts sleep resulting in a disturbing daily routine. People often seek help from a sleep medicine doctor such as the Gingras sleep clinic in Charlotte. Taking medication or making lifestyle changes can help relieve the following symptoms:
- Irritating sensations after resting and lying down for an extended time.
- Frequent leg twitching at night.
Researchers have determined that RLS can be caused by:
- Imbalanced dopamine levels in the brain.
- RLS, if it starts before 40, is believed to be hereditary.
It can also be caused by some underlying medical problems, such as:
- Diabetes
- Anemia resulting in a reduced amount of oxygen level in the blood
- Spinal Cord Tumors or Injured Spinal Cord
- Sleep Apnea Syndrome that results in difficulty in breathing during sleep
- Narcolepsy, a sleep disorder causing excessive drowsiness and urge to sleep during daytime
- Uremia, a kidney dysfunction resulting in a buildup of waste products in the blood
- Neuroleptics and other antidopaminergic medication like Haldol, dopaminergic agents such as Sinemet or tricyclic antidepressants affecting the nervous system
- Withdrawal from psychotic or sedative medications
The Characteristics of Periodic Limb Movement
Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) is sporadic jerking or cramping in the legs while sleeping, often referred to as periodic limb (or leg) movements during sleep. It is often linked with RLS but it is not the same disorder. The individual experiences rhythmic and repetitive limb movement occurring at frequent intervals about every 20-40 seconds. Although PLMD is a physical ailment, it is considered a sleep disorder since the actions disrupt sleep and sleep function. However, the individual likely does not know they have PLMD. Their limbs move without their control. They may wake up feeling tired and not understand why unless they undergo a sleep study.
Periodic Limb Movement Disorder is caused by unknown abnormalities in the regulation of nerves connecting the brain to the limbs. The periodic leg movements involve one or both ankles, knees, and big toe joints. Many researchers concur that PLMD originates in the central nervous system. The causes of PLMD have been linked to:
- caffeine intake
- antidepressants, anti-nausea, and anticonvulsants medications
- other sleep disorders such as narcolepsy or RLS
- neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD
- Injuries to the spinal cord
- Iron deficiency anemia
- diabetes, kidney disease, and other metabolic issues.
How Do These Neurological Disorders Affect Sleep Health?
RLS or PLMD are both neurological disorders that can reduce sleep quality. They disrupt sleep functions leading to sleep deprivation, daytime sleepiness, poor mood, decreased alertness, reduced immunity, and other health concerns.
Improve Your Nights with PLM or RLS with Gingras Sleep Medicine
Gingras Sleep Medicine, developed by Dr. Gingras, has helped citizens of Charlotte and Concord, North Carolina who suffer from sleep disorders such as PLM or RLS. Under her guidance and treatment, Dr. Gingras has helped patients to sleep throughout the night more comfortably. This cutting-edge sleep medicine, along with lifestyle changes and therapies, curbs restlessness, insomnia, sleep apnea, etc., in addition to PLMD and RLS. Dr. Gingras helps patients of all ages by providing individually tailored treatment plans. Book an appointment at the Gingras sleep clinic in Charlotte or Concord by visiting our website or calling the office at (704)944-0562.