Periodic Leg Movements During Sleep

Sleep Med Clin. 2021 Jun;16(2):289-303. doi: 10.1016/j.jsmc.2021.02.004.

Abstract

Periodic leg movements during sleep (PLMS) are a frequent finding in nocturnal sleep registrations that include tibialis anterior electromyographic signals. Different PLMS scoring rules exist and can have a major impact on PLMS frequency, which tends to be underappreciated. There is no consistent evidence that frequent PLMS are a causal risk factor for clinically significant outcomes. Several critical open questions are identified that need to be addressed, including but not limited to the consideration of the full range of all sleep-related leg movement activity.

Keywords: Periodic leg movements during sleep; Polysomnography; Sleep.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Nocturnal Myoclonus Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Nocturnal Myoclonus Syndrome / epidemiology*
  • Polysomnography
  • Risk Factors