Are you tired during the day? Have you started experiencing insomnia? Is your spouse complaining that your legs move for prolonged periods of time while you are sleeping? These symptoms could indicate a syndrome called Periodic Limb Movements in Sleep, or PLMS. Dr. Richard Bogan, a sleep doctor at Bogan Sleep Consultants in Columbia, SC, uncovers this puzzling problem and can help you rest more peacefully.
The details on PLMS
The Sleep Health Foundation reports that 40 percent of adults ages 65 and over in the US exhibit symptoms of Periodic Limb Movements of Sleep. Both men and women are affected by this often unreported health issue, even though sufferers, and their spouses, often have daytime fatigue and insomnia otherwise unexplained by another health problem.
What does PLMS look like?
PLMS consists of odd leg movements while a person is in light REM, or rapid eye movement, sleep. Lower legs twitch, and the big toe, ankle, knee and even hip may suddenly and repeatedly flex. Many people with PLMS have no idea they are moving so much as they sleep; however, whoever sleeps with the individual certainly notices and suffers interrupted sleep.
No one really knows why PLMS happens. Restless Leg Syndrome sometimes accompanies it, along with the very common sleep disorder called Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Treating PLMS
If you believe you may have PLMS, please contact your sleep doctor at his Columbia, SC. Bogan Sleep Consultants features a fully-equipped, state of the art sleep lab. Dr. Bogan uses these high-tech facilities to conduct monitored sleep studies which can pinpoint a person's sleep patterns.
A common diagnostic test for sleep disorders, such as PLMS, is a polysomnogram. Conducted in a comfortable, bedroom-like setting at Bogan Sleep Consultants, this test monitors bodily movements, breathing, heart rate, brain waves and more. With the collected information, Dr. Bogan can make a definitive diagnosis and suggest ways to improve your sleep cycle.
Reducing PLMS
Your sleep doctor also may recommend your primary care physician give you a complete physical examination to rule out any medical reason for your PLMS. Anemia, diabetes and kidney disease have been implicated in many sleep disorders, including Periodic Limb Movements of Sleep.
Barring any underlying medical problem, Dr. Bogan often suggests limiting all forms of caffeine. He may prescribe medications such as:
- Dopamine agonists
- Anticonvulsants
- Sedatives
Learn more
Proper sleep is so important to your overall health and sense of well-being. If you think you may have PLMS, sleep apnea or other sleep disorder, please contact Bogan Sleep Consultants for a personal consultation with Dr. Richard Bogan. Call the office at (803) 251-3093.