night time fidgeting (sleep-related movement disorders)

...I gnashed my teeth again, did I really do it?...eeeee, I can’t believe this...my calves ache, I think it’s iron deficiency, what’s going on with my legs...I must be fidgeting with my feet again, did you get hurt?...do you want me to go to the other room on the sofa?...anyhow, there’s such a funny feeling in my legs...this doesn’t leave, this discomfort in my legs...what is it?...weird, too much coffee...uncomfortable, very uncomfortable!!!...

My journey

Night time movements bothering you?

Do you want to know what causes night time active movements and how to alleviate constant fatigue?

Call Us

Our registration desk will ask you some simple questions and help you find a time that is most suitable for seeing a specialist.

Sleep Counsellor Reception

The sleep counsellor will help you to deal with an interrupted sleep rhythm due to parasomnia and the resulting problems.

Doctor Reception

The doctor shall prescribe necessary tests and treatments. If required, the doctor will refer you to other specialists.

Procedures

Night sleep procedure is generally indicated in the case of a night time fidgeter with restless feet or hands.

Treatment Options

In order to tame night time fidgeting and achieve satisfactory treatment outcomes, trust and good co-operation between the centre and the patient is vital.

Night time movements bothering you?

Call Us

Sleep Counsellor Reception

Doctor Reception

Procedures

Treatment Options

Characteristics of Night Time Fidgeting

A night time fidgeter could feel discomfort in his feet or hands or the need to move them. Restless feet could disturb night time sleep because the disturbing feeling (twitches, feels like ants crawling on the skin, etc.) makes the feet move and is alleviated only through movement. Sometimes it is even necessary to stand up and walk a bit. Often, the restlessness in the feet does not allow one to fall asleep for a long time. A bedfellow could describe fidgeting with feet during sleep, this could be a periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) or gnashing teeth during sleep (bruxism).

Night Time Fidgeter’s Feeling

A night time fidgeter could be sleepy during the daytime. Disrupted sleep constantly wakes the sleeper up and this could induce insomnia, sleep-wakefulness rhythm disorders. A sleepy and tired state during the daytime does not allow one to live their life to the fullest, and due to a decrease in the quality of life, mood swings could also occur (anxiety, depression, stress, etc.).

Night time fidgeting could be caused by:

  • restless feet syndrome
  • periodic limb movement disorder
  • sleep-related movement disorder related to bodily disorder
  • sleep-related movement disorder related to medicine or substance use
  • unspecified sleep-related movement disorder
  • sleep-related bruxism or gnashing of the teeth
  • sleep-related leg cramps
  • sleep-related rhythmic movement disorder
  • new-born’s benign sleep-related myoclonus
  • propriospinal myoclonus at the sleep-wake transition
  • sleep starts

About the Treatment in General

In order to control night time fidgeting, the specialist shall offer a choice of appropriate treatment options after identifying the patient’s problem and the reasons behind the problem. At the beginning of the treatment, the treatment principles are introduced to the patient in greater detail. During future visits, the progress of treatment is monitored and the patient is counselled regarding possible questions. If new symptoms appear or expected treatment outcomes are significantly delayed, additional procedures are performed and additional specialists shall be included.

Possible treatment options

  • pharmacotherapy
  • behavioural and cognitive techniques that improve the quality of life and sleep hygiene