8 Symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome

7. Periodic Limb Movement Disorder

Many people with restless legs syndrome also have periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD). This sleep disorder involves repetitive cramping or jerking of the legs during sleep. These leg movements further disrupt rest and are usually painful. The night-time worsening of symptoms in people with RLS, and the symptoms of PLMD, often lead to sleeping problems. A key difference between PLMD and RLS is that PLMD is involuntary and occurs during sleep, while RLS develops when a person is awake.