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NOCTURNAL MYOCLONUS, or Rapid Leg
Movement Syndrome, is common to late middle-aged and elderly
patients. These rhythmic, muscle twitches of the lower extremities
often cause sleep disturbances. The movements are involuntary and may
occur frequently enough that the affected patient awakens with their legs
feeling unusually fatigued. Also know as Restless Leg Syndrome,
Night Leg,
Restless Legs Syndrome or RLS, Restless Leg Movement and may
be circulatory or due to a vitamin deficiency. Often recommended is
to avoid caffeine and chocolate. It is very annoying and causes
sleep deprivation. A significant number of the adult population
has abnormal behaviors during sleep that may be manifest as leg
jerking or other body movements. Common causes of this disorder
include restless leg movement disorder, periodic limb movement
disorder, or seizures.
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a sleep disorder in which a
person experiences unpleasant sensations in the legs described by
those affected as creeping, crawling, tingling, pulling, or painful.
This syndrome is seen mostly when lying down (supine) at bedtime,
nightfall or rest times. These sensations usually occur in the calf
area but may be felt anywhere from the thigh down the ankle. One or
both legs may be affected. There are documented reports of these
sensations are also felt in the arms. These sensations occur when
the person with RLS lies down or sits for prolonged periods of time,
such as at a desk, riding in a car, or watching a movie. People with RLS describe an irresistible urge to move the legs when the
sensations occur.
Relief of Rapid Leg Movement Syndrome can often be found by:
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sleep
diary
