Links
to sleep disorder websites plus a short list of books I
found at the local library when learning more about sleep disorders.
[Not for sale - these are listed for your reference purposes only!]
Husband's Family History
father - snoring, sleep apnea and probable PLMD - undiagnosed
brother - sleep terrors in childhood
brother - rhythmic movement disorder in childhood
Husband's History
Loud snoring if very tired. Dilantin for epilepsy (grand mal) since 1965.
He would often fall asleep while watching TV in the early evening.
1979-1980 - Tests that included an EEG, plus the absence of seizures since 1972 led to
family doctor's recommendation that the very low dose of Dilantin be discontinued.
Symptoms, Treatment
What husband noticed - Absolutely nothing!
What I noticed - within 6 months of no longer taking the Dilantin, every 2 or 3 nights,
most noticeably on Sunday nights (before going back to work on Monday) my husband's legs
or arms would 'jerk' every few seconds, after he'd been asleep for about an hour.This
became more frequent as the months passed, increasing to every other night and occurring
every 24 to 27 seconds. First a leg would 'kick out', then an arm. While he slept
through this, I either 1) was wakened by the movements or 2)
couldn't get to sleep, waiting for the movements to start.