| Periodic limb movements | Hypnagogic foot tremor and ALMA | Sleep-related rhythmic movement disorder | |
| Behavior | Repetitive movement of limbs, typically legs, most commonly with triple flexion | Rapid rhythmical movement of one foot or alternating movement of legs | Rhythmical movement (rocking or rolling) of body or head |
| Age of onset | Any | Any | Early childhood |
| Family history | Variable | Unknown | Variable |
| Time of occurrence | First half of the night; most commonly during NREM sleep | Near sleep onset | Before sleep onset |
| Frequency | Multiple per night | Nightly | Nightly |
| Duration | 0.5 to 5 seconds | Usually 4 to 15 seconds, may recur | Seconds to hours |
| Memory of event | Variable | Variable | Yes |
| Stereotypical movements | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PSG findings | Periodic limb movements of sleep | Limb movements | Rhythmical movement artifact near sleep onset |
| Associated clinical findings | Commonly seen in association with restless legs syndrome | None (benign) | May be seen in normal children |
