Sleepless nights can cause harm that goes far beyond simple next-day fatigue. Sleep affects nearly every aspect of health, and chronic disruptions in its rhythm have long been associated with an increased risk of various diseases. To better understand this connection, a study published in the journal Cureus examined the relationship between leg movements during sleep and diabetes.

So-called sleep-related leg movements (SRLM) are twitches, jerks, or other leg motions that interrupt sleep. These include periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS)—repetitive muscle contractions in the legs during the night—as well as restless legs syndrome, in which unpleasant sensations create an irresistible urge to move the legs. Such movements are usually reported by the person or their partner, so data are often based on self-reports rather than laboratory sleep studies.

According to the study’s lead author, Dr. Andrey Zinchuk, professor at Yale School of Medicine, SRLMs are quite common and may be associated with fluctuations in heart rate, blood pressure, and activity of the sympathetic nervous system. Theoretically, these physiological changes could contribute to chronic conditions linked to increased sympathetic activity—such as hypertension or diabetes.

The study analyzed data from more than 9,000 adult patients in an open medical database. After adjusting for age, body mass index, sleep apnea, and hypertension, researchers found that individuals who reported leg movements during sleep had a 72% higher risk of diabetes compared to those who did not.

The authors emphasize that this is a preliminary study, but it points to a possible connection. As Zinchuk notes, “We now need to objectively measure these movements and their mechanisms to understand whether the association truly exists.” According to him, such studies help identify new risk factors and may ultimately change approaches to preventing and treating chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.