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Periodic leg movements during sleep in the elderly
Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics
|October 1, 1985
Summary
Periodic leg movements in sleep (PLMS) are common in older adults. This study found a link between PLMS and declining kidney function in elderly women, suggesting PLMS may indicate renal changes.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sleep Medicine
- Nephrology
Background:
- Periodic leg movements in sleep (PLMS) are prevalent in the elderly.
- The clinical significance of PLMS in this demographic remains unclear.
- Investigating PLMS in relation to other health markers is crucial for understanding geriatric sleep disturbances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the relationship between Periodic Leg Movements in Sleep (PLMS) and renal function in elderly individuals.
- To identify specific sleep complaints associated with high PLMS.
- To determine if PLMS can serve as an indicator of age-related renal decline.
Main Methods:
- Polysomnographic evaluation of 63 elderly participants with insomnia symptoms.
- Laboratory assessment of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels.
- Administration of a sleep complaint questionnaire.
Main Results:
- A positive correlation was observed between PLMS and urea nitrogen levels in elderly women.
- Leg twitching symptoms and prolonged sleep latency differentiated high and low PLMS groups.
- These findings suggest a connection between PLMS and diminished renal function in older adults.
Conclusions:
- Periodic Leg Movements in Sleep (PLMS) may reflect age-related decline in kidney function.
- PLMS are associated with specific geriatric insomnia symptoms like leg twitching.
- PLMS could be a valuable indicator for monitoring renal health in the elderly population.