Sleep Med Psychophysiol.  2023 Jun;30(1):9-12. 10.14401/KASMED.2023.30.1.9.

The Clinical Significance of Periodic Limb Movements During Sleep in Various Sleep Disorders

• Lee SJ

• KMID: 2544852
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14401/KASMED.2023.30.1.9

Abstract

Periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS) are prevalent in various sleep disorders, such as restless legs syndrome (RLS), periodic limb movements disorder, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), and narcolepsy. PLMS has been hypothesized to be related to the decline of dopaminergic transmission. In RLS, PLMS is suggested to be related to iron deficiency and symptom severity. PLMD is a rare sleep disorder, and the role of PLMS in PLMD has not been clearly investigated yet. PLMS in OSA, which remain after proper PAP therapy, may need further management. The clinical relevance of PLMS in RBD and narcolepsy have not been investigated thoroughly and need further studies. Whether PLMS are to be considered as a mere symptom of individual sleep disorders or not can be elucidated through studies investigating the efficacy of therapeutic approaches to reduce PLMS in various sleep disorders.

Keyword

Obstructive sleep apnea; Periodic limb movement disorder; Periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS); Restless legs syndrome