What is Restless Legs Syndrome?
Information about the neurological disorder known as RLS

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder marked by unpleasant sensations in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move when at rest to relieve these unpleasant sensations. RLS sensations are often described by people as burning, creeping, tugging, or like insects crawling inside the legs. These sensations range from irritating to severely painful.
Lying down and trying to relax actually aggravates the symptoms and as a result, people with RLS have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. This condition left untreated causes exhaustion and daytime fatigue and may affect the patient’s job, personal relations, and activities of daily living in an adverse way as a result of exhaustion. Impaired memory, inability to focus on daily tasks, and irritability marks some of the results that come out of this syndrome.
Many people with RLS will not seek medical attention, believing that they will not be taken seriously, that their symptoms are too mild, or that their condition is not treatable. The disease is frequently diagnosed as something else, such as muscle cramps or aches.
Although the incidence of RLS may be slightly higher in women, it occurs in both genders. The syndrome may begin at any age, but most patients who are severely affected are middle-aged or older. The severity of the disorder appears to increase with age, with older patients experiencing symptoms more frequently and for longer periods of time.
Signs and Symptoms of Restless Legs
Symptoms include feeling uncomfortable sensations in the legs, especially when sitting or lying down, accompanied by an irresistible urge to move about. The feelings and sensations usually occur deep inside the leg, between the knee and ankle. Since moving the legs (or other affected parts of the body) relieves the discomfort, people with RLS often keep their legs in motion to minimize or prevent the sensations.
Most people find the symptoms to be more pronounced at night and less obvious during the daytime. Periods of inactivity in a movie theater or airplane cause the symptoms to flare up and become aggravated.
The symptoms of RLS may vary in severity and duration from person to person. Mild cases may occur sporadically with little damage done. However, in moderately severe cases, symptoms may result in delay of sleep and fatigue during the daytime. Severe cases may lead to symptoms that significantly impair daytime function.
Although symptoms may begin at any stage of life, the disorder is more common with increasing age. The cause of restless legs syndrome is still unknown, although a family history of the condition makes it more likely that the disorder is linked to genes. RLS may also be linked with low levels of iron, chronic diseases such as kidney failure and diabetes, and certain anti-nausea drugs.