Published on: 6/12/2025
What causes legs to twitch when going to sleep?
Legs may twitch when going to sleep due to conditions like restless legs syndrome or periodic limb movements during sleep.
Explanation
When you are trying to sleep, sometimes your legs might twitch. This can happen because of a few reasons:
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): This is a condition where you feel like you have to move your legs. It can make going to sleep hard because your legs feel uncomfortable.
Periodic Limb Movements (PLM): These are movements that happen while you are asleep. They can make your legs twitch or jerk. Older people might have this happen more often.
Alcohol Use: Drinking alcohol can make these leg movements happen more.
These movements might make it hard to get a good night's sleep. If you feel worried about this, it can help to talk to a doctor. For mental health concerns, you can visit 988lifeline.org.
(References)
- Bliwise D, Petta D, Seidel W, & Dement W. (1985). Periodic leg movements during sleep in the elderly. Archives of gerontology and geriatrics, 4074025.
- O'Regan D, & Anderson KN. (2020). Restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movements .... British journal of hospital medicine (London, England : 2005), 32003620.
- Aldrich MS, & Shipley JE. (1993). Alcohol use and periodic limb movements of sleep. Alcoholism, clinical and experimental research, 8452202.
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