People who suffer from Periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) experience involuntary and repetitive leg jerking in lower limbs while sleeping. These movements can happen throughout the night and be a nuisance to your spouse. PLMS, like RLS, can cause daytime sleepiness and insomnia. 80% of people with restless leg syndrome have PLMD, but the reverse is not true.

Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) can be primary and secondary. Primary is believed to be related to the nervous system and can be contributed to chronic insomnia. Secondary is associated with an underlying medical problem such as narcolepsy, sleep apnea, iron deficiency, diabetes, spinal cord tumor, anemia, Parkinson’s Disease, uremia or medication withdrawal.

If you are experiencing involuntary and repetitive leg jerking, it is crucial to determine the underlying reason for these symptoms and professional advice should be sought.