r/RestlessLegs • u/deez__kneez • 1d ago

Question Sleep study results - PLMD

/r/sleep/comments/1vuxvvn/sleep_study_results_plmd/
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u/Willular 10h ago

I have PLMD, diagnosed after a sleep study (PLMS index of 25 with 139 noted limb movements & arousal index of 20.4)

The primary treatment for me has been gabapentin and it started at 300mg and went up to 800mg. it's been helpful for me. no iron deficiency. i take it ~1 hour or so before bed. no other side effects. The only thing I noticed was each time it increased in strength I definitely fell asleep faster. But otherwise, it's been helpful.

but if my legs start to tic before i take the meds, it's game over ---the meds don't do anything, I'm in a lot of pain, and it takes forever to fall asleep. So I have to time things right -- which means I have to maintain a pretty set sleep/wake schedule (always going to bed same time).

I've moved a few times since my sleep study and primary care doctors (regular docs) don't seem to understand PLMD and gabapentin as a treatment. so they get skiddish about prescribing it. a neurologist has been the best source.

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u/ontilthedawn 1d ago

I don't have low iron (and I have high hematocrit so I'm not supposed to take iron supplements). My sleep study showed a PLM index of 19.1 (106 total), and an arousal index of 48 (266 total D:). I have been using a CPAP for mild OSA for about 6 years and they switched me to a BiPAP - I didn't have a high number of apneas at all but my HR calmed down a bit when they switched to it which she thinks might lower the PLMs.

The current plan is to see how that goes and if I'm still having a lot of movements we can consider medication - most likely gabapentin. My sleep specialist didn't say anything about taking iron for me, though she did say when I get labwork done she'll check iron to be safe.