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Home > Medical Services > Sleep Medicine > Sleep Disorders > Restless Legs/Periodic Limb Movements

Restless Legs/Periodic Limb Movements

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) and periodic limb movement disorders (PLMD) are somewhat intertwined. Most people with RLS have PLMD, but not all people with PLMD have RLS. RLS has been described as "the creepy crawlies" that occur in the legs when they are sitting or laying still. RLS can only be relieved by stretching or moving the legs. This often affects your ability to fall asleep. PLMD occurs during sleep, when the legs or arms periodically move or twitch during the night, causing the person to awaken enough to disturb their sleep, but not enough for them to realize that they had been disturbed. Both RLS and PLMD can disrupt your night time sleep, causing sleepiness and fatigue during the day.