Which condition is characterized by an urge to move the limbs that disrupts sleep?

Which condition is characterized by an urge to move the limbs that disrupts sleep?

• A. Narcolepsy
• B. Periodic Limb Movement Disorder
• C. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
• D. Insomnia

Answer: (C)

This describes Restless Leg Syndrome. In RLS, people have uncomfortable or creeping sensations in the legs that create an urge to move, especially when at rest or lying down. Moving the legs provides temporary relief, but the sensations tend to worsen in the evening or at night, which disrupts sleep and can lead to insomnia. Narcolepsy involves daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks (often with cataplexy), not an urge to move the limbs. Periodic Limb Movement Disorder features repetitive limb movements during sleep that fragment sleep, but the primary issue is the movements during sleep rather than an urge to move caused by leg sensations. Insomnia is difficulty with initiating or maintaining sleep but doesn’t explain the specific urge or uncomfortable sensations in the legs.

This describes Restless Leg Syndrome. In RLS, people have uncomfortable or creeping sensations in the legs that create an urge to move, especially when at rest or lying down. Moving the legs provides temporary relief, but the sensations tend to worsen in the evening or at night, which disrupts sleep and can lead to insomnia.

Narcolepsy involves daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks (often with cataplexy), not an urge to move the limbs. Periodic Limb Movement Disorder features repetitive limb movements during sleep that fragment sleep, but the primary issue is the movements during sleep rather than an urge to move caused by leg sensations. Insomnia is difficulty with initiating or maintaining sleep but doesn’t explain the specific urge or uncomfortable sensations in the legs.