If involuntary, repetitive leg or arm movements are disrupting your sleep or keeping your partner awake, you may have Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD). At Premier Lung & Sleep Institute in Tomball, TX, our board-certified sleep specialist, Dr. Harneet Singh, is an expert in diagnosing and treating this condition. PLMD can significantly fragment sleep, leading to excessive daytime sleepiness and chronic fatigue. Our comprehensive evaluation is designed to help you identify the cause and find a path to restful sleep.

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Understanding PLMD and Its Symptoms

PLMD is a sleep disorder characterized by rhythmic, involuntary movements of the limbs that typically occur every 20-40 seconds during sleep. Unlike Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), which causes an irresistible urge to move your legs while awake, PLMD movements are unconscious and happen only during sleep. The result can be disrupted sleep for both you and your bed partner. While the cause is often unknown, it can be associated with other conditions like restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea, or narcolepsy.

Accurate Diagnosis and Personalized Treatment

The most effective way to diagnose PLMD is through an in-lab polysomnography (sleep study), which records and measures the limb movements and their effect on your sleep. Once diagnosed, your personalized treatment plan may include addressing any underlying conditions, optimizing iron levels, or prescribing medication to help control the movements and improve your sleep quality.

Find Relief and a Deeper Sleep

You don’t have to live with restless nights. Premier Lung & Sleep Institute is dedicated to providing the expert care you need to manage your symptoms and restore your sleep.

Contact our office today to schedule a sleep consultation.

FAQs About PLMD

Q: What’s the difference between PLMD and Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)?

A: The key difference is timing. RLS causes an irresistible urge to move your legs while you are awake and
at rest, and this often makes it difficult to fall asleep. PLMD involves involuntary limb movements that happen only after you have fallen asleep, which you may not even be aware of.

Q: How is PLMD diagnosed?

A: PLMD can only be accurately diagnosed with a sleep study (polysomnography) because the movements happen during sleep. The study monitors and counts the number of limb movements that occur, along with their effect on your sleep patterns.

Q: Is PLMD a serious condition?

A: While not life-threatening, PLMD can seriously impact your quality of life. The constant sleep disruptions can lead to chronic fatigue, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating during the day. It’s important to seek treatment to prevent these long-term effects.