 | Sleep 24597 Sleep For around 12 years, I’ve suffered from sunset to sunrise from severe cramping and uncontrollable leg jerks that responded to no known medical treatment. Is this restless leg syndrome? What’s the best treatment? For around 12 years, I’ve suffered from sunset to sunrise from severe cramping and uncontrollable leg jerks that responded to no known medical treatment. Is this restless leg syndrome? What’s the best treatment? htmASKTHEDOCplmdrestlessleg Your symptoms sound like it could be “Periodic Limb Movement Disorder” (PLMD). It’s a disease in which your sleep is disrupted by repeated jerking or cramping of the legs. The movements usually last a few seconds, with bending of the knee, ankle and big toe. And it repeats about every 30 to 40 seconds. 1428781 InteliHealth 2012-02-10 t Robert H. Shmerling, M.D. 2015-02-10  | Ask The Expert | |  |  |  |  | | Archive By Date: Sleep | | | Answered questions from the past 2 years: | |  Recently I’ve been staying up until 3 or 4 in the morning to work on my oil paintings. I know I should feel tired, but I don’t. One of my friends said that I might be hypomanic. What is that? |  My two-year-old daughter wakes up many nights in a fit of terror, screaming, hitting, and pushing away. Her pediatrician said that the problem is nightmares and will pass. We have tried everything and it does not seem to subside. |  I have a severe snoring problem. I also am getting frequent headaches. Could my headaches be sleep apnea-related? |  Does sleep enhance learning and memory? Is there a price to pay for cutting down on the hours you sleep? |  I’ve been taking temazepam nightly for three months. My doctor is afraid I’ll become dependent. Do you have any suggestions? |  Lately, I can't seem to stay awake. As soon as I sit down anywhere I start falling asleep. All I do all day is sleep. I have a cough and my voice is hoarse but I don’t have a cold. My skin is very dry. Could I have a thyroid problem? What else could be wrong with me? |  For around 12 years, I’ve suffered from sunset to sunrise from severe cramping and uncontrollable leg jerks that responded to no known medical treatment. Is this restless leg syndrome? What’s the best treatment? |  I am 57 years old. My maternal grandmother and mother both had Alzheimer’s disease. There have been some times when I feel like I’m waking up from a fog or mental sleep. I sometimes feel disoriented, or just plain scared (especially when I’m driving). Should I be worried? |  I have no problem getting to sleep. But my problem is staying asleep through the night. Any suggestions? | | | | |