Can sleep myoclonus occur alongside restless legs syndrome (RLS)?

Sleep myoclonus and restless legs syndrome (RLS) are both conditions that involve involuntary movements during sleep. According to the medical literature, these conditions can occur together, affecting a person’s sleep quality and comfort.

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS):

• RLS is a condition characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations. This usually happens when a person is trying to rest or sleep.

Sleep Myoclonus:

• Sleep myoclonus involves sudden, brief muscle jerks that occur during sleep. These jerks can disturb sleep but are generally not harmful.

Co-occurrence:

• According to the references, both conditions can occur in the same individual. This means a person could experience the urge to move their legs due to RLS and also have muscle jerks from sleep myoclonus. This combination can make it difficult to get a good night's sleep.

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it might be helpful to consult a healthcare professional for advice and management options.