Dear Dr. Roach: I read an article a few years back that said if you had vertigo, you more than likely would also have restless legs syndrome and/or hypnic jerks of the body. Did I read this right, or are these symptoms totally unrelated to each other?

I’m inquiring because I have all three conditions. I began with vertigo a few years back, then contracted hypnic jerks and restless legs. I really don’t understand why or how I had gotten all these conditions together. If you could give me an answer, I would really appreciate it.

— S.W.

Answer: There is not a direct connection I know of between vertigo and restless legs syndrome. Hypnic jerks, also called myoclonic jerks, are sudden muscle contractions that happen as one falls asleep, and most people have had this experience, causing one to wake up for a moment. They are not something to worry about.

Hypnic jerks can be mistaken for periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), which are involuntary muscle contractions while fully asleep. Many people aren’t aware that they have this (though any sleep partner will be), and the major symptom is poor quality of sleep.

PLMD symptoms, when combined with discomfort and an overwhelming urge to move the limbs (usually the legs), are found in restless legs syndrome (Willis-Ekbom disease). Moving the legs temporarily relieves the discomfort and urge to move. All three of these limb movement issues are related but distinct.

Vertigo is not a diagnosis. It’s a symptom of perceived movement when the person is at rest. Sometimes people will say that the world is spinning or that they are, but other types of perceived movement are common. Vertigo is most often caused by benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or acute labyrinthitis but can rarely be caused by tumors in the brain. A careful history and physical exam can usually make the diagnosis of what’s causing vertigo.

People who have migraine headaches are more likely to have both vertigo and abnormal leg movements, which is an indirect connection that might link these two syndromes with each other.

Dear Dr. Roach: I take honey and cinnamon on toast every morning. Does this help lower cholesterol? Does it help with heart and vein health?

— L.M.

Answer: Honey is a natural sugar, and compared with table sugar, it has some trace minerals and antioxidants. But the amounts of these are so small that they are unlikely to have any significant health benefit. Honey is a sugar and will raise blood sugar levels. It is not safe for babies under 1 year old.

Cinnamon is touted as a treatment for diabetes, and I have friends who add cinnamon to their food in hopes of a health benefit; however, the evidence for the effectiveness of cinnamon in reducing blood sugar levels in people with diabetes is mixed. If there is a benefit, it is likely to be small.

If you are enjoying your toast with honey and sugar, then I’m not going to tell you to stop, but I don’t think there is any evidence that it helps with vein or heart health or your blood sugar. In fact, the honey will raise your blood sugar more than any amount of cinnamon will lower it. I recommend a little bit of protein or healthy fat with breakfast as I find that these tend to keep people more satisfied. This way, they aren’t so hungry later in the day that they eat unwisely.

Contact Dr. Roach at ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu.