Sleep Health & Movement Evaluation Plan
This plan covers my health issues related to sleep, particularly movement during sleep: periodic leg/body twitching and vocalization. This has a significant impact on Sheryl, my partner. The issue tends to correlate with stress and late-night sugar, but can go many nights without incident.
I am very averse to pharmaceutical medications, so my focus is on nutrition, exercise, physical alignment (Alexander Technique, Tai Chi), and Eastern / integrative diagnosis and treatment options.
Medical History
- Overnight Wired Sleep Study: Minimal apnea observed, some periodic limb movement (PLM). No hard clinical recommendations at the time.
- Acupuncture: 6-session series focusing on sleep quality and nervous system relaxation.
Standardized Clinical Self-Evaluations
To comprehensively track leg motion, sleep quality, and potential neurological contributors over time, regularly completing standardized self-assessments provides objective baseline data:
- RLSRS (Restless Legs Syndrome Rating Scale): Assesses severity of RLS symptoms, frequency, intensity, and impact on sleep.
- IRLSSG Rating Scale: Quantifies severity of RLS in research and clinical settings.
- PSQI (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index): Global measure of sleep quality and disturbances over the past month.
- ESS (Epworth Sleepiness Scale): Measures general daytime sleepiness across routine situations.
- BDI-II & GAD-7: Standardized screenings for mood and anxiety factors that correlate with neuromuscular twitching.
- Sleep Diary & Actigraphy: Daily tracking of bedtime, wake time, sleep latency, awakenings, and dietary triggers.
Care Contacts
Primary Care: Dr. James Runke (Michigan Avenue Primary Care / Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Chicago, IL). Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine; Doctor of Medicine from University of Wisconsin.