Zeitschrift für Schlafstörungen: Behandlung und Pflege

Periodic Limb Movements Disorder

Swapnika Kuchipudi

Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) is a rare sleep disorder characterized by periodic, repetitive movements of the legs and feet during sleep1. In some cases, the disorder also affects the arms. If you have PLMD or sleep with someone who has PLMD, you may recognize these movements as brief muscle twitches, jerking movements, or an upward flexing of the feet. PLMD can disrupt sleep and co-occur with other sleep disorders, including restless legs syndrome and narcolepsy.