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Periodic Limb Movements in Sleep is Associated with Increased Mortality
Jae-Won Choi1, Ji Soo Song2, Yu Jin Lee1
1Department of Psychiatry and Center for Sleep and Chronobiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Psychiatry Investigation
|October 19, 2017
Summary
Periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) may increase mortality risk. Individuals with over 15 PLMS per hour showed a higher mortality rate, even after adjusting for other factors.
Area of Science:
- Sleep Medicine
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) are characterized by repetitive limb movements during sleep.
- The association between PLMS and mortality remains incompletely understood.
- Understanding this link is crucial for identifying potential risk factors for mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) and overall mortality.
- To determine if higher PLMS frequency is associated with an increased risk of death.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 1,344 subjects underwent nocturnal polysomnography.
- Subjects were categorized into four groups based on PLMS frequency and insomnia symptoms.
- Mortality data were tracked through national death records until December 2013.
Main Results:
- Unadjusted analyses showed significantly higher mortality in groups with 5
- After adjusting for age, gender, and sleep efficiency, only the PLMS>15 group exhibited a significantly higher mortality rate (HR, 1.99; p=0.033).
Conclusions:
- Periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) are potentially associated with increased mortality.
- A high frequency of PLMS (over 15 per hour) may be a significant risk factor for mortality.
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