Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 20, 2026

A Chronic Sleep Fragmentation Model using Vibrating Orbital Rotor to Induce Cognitive Deficit and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Young Wild-Type Mice
Published on: September 22, 2020
Cognitive and behavioral anomalies among insomnia patients with mixed restless legs and periodic limb movement
1Psychology Service 116B, VA Medical Center, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC 27705-3875, USA. jack.edinger@duke.edu
Abstract:
This study examined whether patients who have periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), with or without comorbid restless legs syndrome (RLS), display the sleep-disruptive cognitive and behavioral anomalies found among primary insomnia sufferers. Archival data from a Sleep History Questionnaire, home-based polysomnography, and a sleep log were obtained for matched RLS/PLMD, primary insomnia, and noncomplaining volunteer samples. Statistical comparisons showed that the RLS/PLMD and primary insomnia samples differed significantly from the normal sleepers in regard to their propensities for certain sleep disruptive habits, perceived difficulties controlling pre-sleep cognitive activity, and their subjective sleep appraisals. These findings suggest RLS/PLMD patients display many of the cognitive and behavioral anomalies thought to perpetuate primary insomnia. Hence, behavioral interventions may be warranted for RLS/PLMD patients.
Related Concept Videos
Restless Leg Syndrome and Night Terrors
The exact cause of RLS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate muscle movement. Imbalances in dopamine levels...
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
RBD is significantly associated with...
Management of Insomnia
Insomnia
Multiple factors contribute...
Alterations in Muscle Tone lll
Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking
Factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption. Contrary to common beliefs, it is safe...
