Periodic Limb Movements in Sleep (PLMS)

Periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) are characterized by repetitive, periodic, and highly stereotyped limb movements occurring during sleep, whereas periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) is defined as the presence of PLMS on polysomnography, in addition to the presence of a clinical sleep disturbance or a complaint of daytime sleepiness or fatigue. The predisposing factors of PLMS are restless legs syndrome (RLS), rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD), narcolepsy, and the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, lithium, and dopamine receptor antagonists. The pathophysiology of PLMS remains unknown. The treatment of PLMS in RLS and PLMD includes dopaminergic agents, benzodiazepine, opioids, and anticonvulsants.