Restless Legs Syndrome

  • Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition characterized by an irresistible urge to move your body to stop uncomfortable or odd sensations 
  • It is estimated that 5% of the general population and as many as 10% of those over 65 years old have this disorder

Overview of Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless legs syndrome most commonly affects the legs, but can also affect the arms or torso. Moving the affected body part lessens the sensations, providing temporary relief.

Symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome

The symptoms include:

  • an urge to move the limbs with or without sensations
  • improvement with activity
  • worsening at rest
  • worsening in the evening or night

The sensations felt by RLS patients are unusual and unlike other common sensations, and it can be very difficult to describe them. Words commonly used include: uncomfortable, antsy, electrical, creeping, painful, itching, pins and needles, pulling, creepy-crawly, ants inside the legs, and many others.

The sensation and the urge to move can occur in any body part; the most cited location is legs, followed by arms. Some people have little or no describable sensation, yet still have a strong urge to move. While an RLS sufferer may be unable to describe the sensations to a non-sufferer, someone else with RLS understands completely.

RLS symptoms start, or get much worse, with rest. Lying down to try and sleep, or sitting in a chair to read a book become very uncomfortable and often times, relaxation is impossible. Moving around will usually provide immediate relief, but unfortunately, the relief may only be temporary and partial. Walking is most common; however, doing stretches, yoga, biking, or other physical activity may relieve the symptoms.

Causes of Restless Legs Syndrome

RLS can be caused by genetic factors, or an associated medical condition (e.g. patients with damage to nerves in their hands and feet can suffer from RLS). Dialysis for kidney failure, iron deficiency, and pregnancy are also risk factors for developing RLS.

Sometimes, medications can cause or aggravate RLS. These include antihistamines (used in over-the-counter nighttime sleeping pills, cold remedies and decongestants), alcohol (even small amounts) and nausea medications.

Treatment for Restless Legs Syndrome

Although RLS cannot be ‘cured’ there are many effective treatments. Sleep doctors specialize in the treatment of RLS and keep up to date with the latest advances in treatments. Make sure you speak with a specialist for advice if you believe you have restless legs syndrome.

If the specialist thinks you have RLS, you may be prescribed a dopamine-based drug as these are known to be effective for most sufferers. Sometimes, opiate medications can be prescribed, or benzodiazepine sleeping pills and muscle relaxants. Anticonvulsants are sometimes offered to patients with pre-existing nerve damage.