Behavioral Sleep Medicine Interventions for Restless Legs Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) and periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) are sleep disorders that are commonly seen in clinical practice. The standard treatment recommendations for these disorders are pharmacologic; both conditions are typically managed with pramipexole or ropinirole, which are approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of RLS. A mix of behavioral suggestions is included in treatment algorithms for providers and in patient education materials. Although these suggestions have considerable merit, they are typically not delivered as an intervention, but instead provided as a series of helpful tips. There is emerging evidence for providing such suggestions as part of a cognitive-behavioral package to be delivered as active treatments for RLS or PLMD. © 2009 Elsevier Inc.