Published on: 6/12/2025
What are the causes of leg twitching when asleep?
Leg twitching during sleep can be caused by conditions like restless legs syndrome and nocturnal myoclonus, which involve involuntary movements or sensations in the legs.
Explanation
Leg twitching while asleep is often linked to two main conditions: restless legs syndrome (RLS) and nocturnal myoclonus.
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS):
- RLS is a condition where you feel an uncontrollable urge to move your legs, usually because of uncomfortable sensations. These sensations often occur in the evening or nighttime hours when you are sitting or lying down.
- The need to move can make it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep.
Nocturnal Myoclonus:
- This condition involves sudden, involuntary jerking movements of the legs during sleep. These jerks can happen repeatedly throughout the night, potentially disrupting sleep.
Both conditions can affect sleep quality and overall well-being. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it might be helpful to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and management options.
(References)
- Lugaresi E, Cirignotta F, Coccagna G, & Montagna P. (1986). Nocturnal myoclonus and restless legs syndrome. Advances in neurology, 3946114.
- Milligan SA, & Chesson AL. (2002). Restless legs syndrome in the older adult: diagnosis and .... Drugs & aging, 12390051.
- van der Veen S, Caviness JN, Dreissen YEM, Ganos C, Ibrahim A, Koelman JHTM, et al. (2022). Myoclonus and other jerky movement disorders. Clinical neurophysiology practice, 36324989.
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