What is the night myoclonus?
Night myoclonus, also known as a periodic disorder of the movement of limbs or PLMD, is a form of myoclonus in which symptoms of disorder occur during sleep. Myoclonus in itself is a symptom of the disease, rather than a diagnosis that manifests itself as sudden muscle contractions or muscle relaxation. Muscle contraction or relaxation may occur in response to the trigger or may occur randomly. Occasional involuntary muscle twitching and hiccups are examples of unclear myoclonus. They can simply move their limbs during sleep without being disturbed by movement. In these cases, the person has regular limb movements during sleep or PLMS. This is not the same as PLMD, because PLMS is not a disorder in itself and does not always require treatment. However, PLMS is a symptom of PLMD.
Night myoclonus is classified as a sleep disorder and can cause symptoms to djens the night and side effects during awakening. This disorder can cause night sleep disorder, insomnia and drowsiness during awakening. PeopleThey experience several episodes of periodic limb movements during sleep within several nights, as well as sleep disorder and side effects during awakening, can be diagnosed with PLMD.
PLMD diagnosis is made on the basis of unofficial evidence from the patient's partner or other close relatives or friends as well as the results of polysomnography. Polysomnography or sleep study is a test that records biological and physiological changes that occur when a person sleeps. The test is performed during normal hours of sleeping the patient and records brain function, eye movements, muscle activity and heart rhythm.
It is estimated that 4% of people are affected by PLMS. The percentage increases with increased age, and women are more likely affected than men. Up to 11% of older women can be affected. There is also evidence that PLMS is related to restless leg syndrome. One study found that up to 80%People with restless leg syndrome also had PLMS.
Risk factors for night myoclonus, especially in the absence of restless leg syndrome, differ. These include drinking coffee, snoring, stress, using hypnotics and being a shift worker. Several risk factors are associated with the syndrome of restless legs and PLMDs, including obstructive sleep apnea, musculoskeletal disease, heart disease, catalepsy and mental disorders.
Night myoclonus treatment focuses on reducing the incidents of jerking of legs caused by muscle contraction or relaxation and reducing the occurrence of awakening during sleep. Dopaminergic drugs that are able to stimulate dopamine receptors are useful in the treatment of both symptoms. Low doses of antidepressants called Clonazepam® can also help improve sleep quality.