Sleep Disorders

[joelee]

I have a rare neurologic disorder in which Periodic Limb Movement is a major symptom. My legs jerk intensely for long periods (every 10 seconds for 20-60 minutes) as I enter sleep, sometimes as I sleep, and often as I am awakening. Tests were done a few years ago which showed a bit less than one involuntary movement per minute for the night. I was also told I was in deep sleep for 24 minutes. This seems like a very small period of time to me. But as a layman, I do not know how much is normal.
I know that I am often aware of my body and the room as I sleep. I am taking Requip and Sinemet at night, but am so drowsy that I have to take Provigil for alertness during the day. I also have neuropathy which adds to the fatigue. So I seldom feel as alert as I should during the day and even caffeine barely takes the edge off. I am wondering if lack of deep sleep is part of the problem, how much is necessary, and if there are ways to increase deep sleep and help me find a more normal pattern. I just stumbled across this forum while searching for sleep related information. Any feedback will be appreciated.
--- Joe ---