A sleep tech notes frequent leg movements every 60 seconds associated with respiratory events. How should these movements be documented?

Frequent leg movements associated with respiratory events should be documented as "unscored" because they are likely secondary to the underlying condition, such as apneas or hypopneas, rather than representing primary periodic limb movements (PLMs). In sleep studies, movements that occur as a direct response to respiratory disruptions typically do not fall under the typical scoring criteria for PLMs, which are distinct and repetitive movements occurring independently of respiratory events.

In the context of a sleep study, identifying whether leg movements should be scored as PLM or labeled as unscored is crucial in determining their significance and relevance to the patient's sleep-disordered breathing. Documenting them as unscored reflects their relationship to the respiratory events and acknowledges that they may not carry the same implications for sleep quality or disorders as true PLMs would. This methodology ensures accurate interpretation and reporting of the patient's sleep data, aligning with standards of practice in polysomnography.