Sleep Disorders

According to the International Classification of Sleep Disorders (ICSD-3), sleep-related movement disorders are a category of sleep disorder in which repetitive movements interfere with sleep1. These movements are usually simple, like a quick jerk or twitch.

Sources: Sleep Foundation

Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a condition in which a person experiences strong, sometimes irresistible urges to move their limbs. Urges most often occur during the evening when a person is inactive. The strong desire to move or relieve these urges makes it difficult to fall asleep or go back to sleep after waking up during the night.

RLS affects between 7% and 10% of the population3. People with RLS describe sensations that occur in the legs, arms, and even the neck as uncomfortable, irritating, or painful. This condition is sometimes associated with genetics, pregnancy, nutrient deficiencies, and medical conditions, but often the exact causes of RLS are unknown.

Sources: Sleep Foundation

Periodic Limb Movement Disorders

Periodic limb movements are when you have episodes of simple, repetitive muscle movements. You are unable to control them. They usually do not keep you from falling asleep. Instead, they can disrupt your or your bed partner’s sleep during the night. This can cause you both to be very tired during the day.

Periodic limb movements do not involve a change in body position, stretching a muscle, or a cramp. Instead, the movements tend to involve the tightening or flexing of a muscle. They occur most often in the lower legs.

Sources: American Academy of Sleep Medicine

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