In adults, night terrors are often associated with psychologic difficulties or alcoholism. They occur during REM sleep, more commonly with fever or excess fatigue or after alcohol ingestion. Treatment is directed at the underlying conflicts or disorder. Uncomfortable sensations that are difficult to describe are felt in the legs and are relieved temporarily by movement. Patient distress and sleep loss may become severe.
Treatment can be difficult and often requires trying different drugs and dosage regimens.
Other choices are oxycodone, carbamazepine, and gabapentin. Benzodiazepines taken at bedtime prevent awakening but not nocturnal movements. Nocturnal leg cramps commonly occur in otherwise healthy middle-aged and elderly patients during sleep. They affect the calf or foot muscles, causing forceful plantar flexion of the foot or toes. Diagnosis is based on the history and lack of physical signs or disability.