Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for treating patients afflicted with periodic limb movement syndrome (PLMS) which includes administering to said patient prior to sleep a combination of: carbidopa and levodopa in 25 and 100 mg quantities, respectively, and carbidopa and levodopa in 25 and 200 mg quantities, respectively, in sustained release form. The sustained-release carbidopa and levodopa preferably is supplied in a tablet contained 50 mg of carbidopa and 200 mg of levodopa. Caffeine may be administered to the patients following sleep.