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Periodic leg movement syndrome is a sleep disorder characterized by rhythmic movements of the legs during sleep. Movements occur periodically throughout the night and can fluctuate in severity from one night to the next. They tend to cluster in episodes that last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. These movements are very different from the normal spasms, called hypnic myoclonia, that we often experience initially while trying to fall asleep.

The causes of Periodic Leg Movement Syndrome are unknown. However recent research has shown that people with a variety of medical problems, including Parkinson's disease and narcolepsy, may have frequent periodic leg movements in sleep.

Periodic Leg Movement Syndrome may be induced by medications, most notably, antidepressants.

Symptoms are usually leg movements with the extension of the big toe in combination with a partial flexing of the ankle, knee or hip. It can often cause a partial or full brief awakening resulting in fragmented sleep. Patients are frequently unaware of these movements.

A sleep partner may observe the occurrence of periodic leg movements, which often affect the partner before the patient knows of his or her behavior. In other cases, the diagnosis is made on an overnight polysomnogram (test that records sleep and the bioelectrical signals coming from the body during sleep). This test is often used to assess the cause of daytime sleepiness or recurrent awakenings from sleep. Blood work may be done in order to test iron status, folic acid, vitamin B12, thyroid function and magnesium levels.

Generally, there are several classes of drugs that are used to treat this condition. These include the Parkinson's disease drugs, anticonvulsant medications, benzodiazepines, and narcotics. Current treatment recommendations consider the anti-Parkinson's medications as a first line of defense. Medical treatment often significantly reduces or eliminates the symptoms of these disorders.

There is no cure and medical treatment must be continued to provide relief.

The use of caffeine often intensifies Periodic Leg Movement Syndrome symptoms. Caffeine-containing products such as chocolate, coffee, tea and soft drinks should be avoided. Also many antidepressants can worsen the condition.