Did you know?

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a disorder of the part of the nervous system that causes an urge to move the legs. It is also a sleep disorder, because it usually interferes with sleep.

RLS discomfort of the legs (and sometimes arms or other parts of the body) may include possible feelings of itchiness, pins and needles, and creepy/crawly sensations. These feelings generally are worse at rest, when lying or sitting down and especially when sleeping.

Symptoms range from mild to extreme. The sensations come and go and the severity can fluctuate. Because symptoms tend to be most intense at night, RLS sufferers often do not get enough sleep.

Approximately 10 percent of the U.S. population is affected by RLS. It is more common in women than men and may begin at any age. Even young children can suffer from RLS. Doctors do not know the cause of RLS, but it is suspected that genetics are involved—almost half of the people diagnosed have a family member who shares the condition. There are other factors associated with RLS:

• Certain chronic diseases and medical conditions, including iron deficiency, Parkinson’s, kidney failure, diabetes and peripheral neuropathy.
• Some types of medications, including antinausea drugs, antipsychotics, antidepressants, cold and allergy pills that contain antihistamines.
• Some women experience RLS during pregnancy, with symptoms stopping within a month after delivery.
• Alcohol use may trigger RLS in some people.
• Sleep deprivation can sometimes bring on symptoms of RLS.

There is no actual cure for RLS, but treatment is straightforward. To decrease symptoms, people with mild to moderate RLS are advised to make lifestyle changes:

• Begin a regular exercise program.
• Establish a regular sleep pattern by going to bed at approximately the same time nightly.
• Decrease or eliminate caffeine, alcohol and tobacco from the diet.
• Massage the legs regularly.
• Take hot baths and use heating pads on the legs. Or, apply ice packs.

For those with more severe symptoms, medication may be prescribed in addition to making lifestyle changes:

• Dopaminergic drugs act on the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. These include Mirapex, Neupro and Requip.
• Benzodiazepines may help with sleep, as they are a class of sedative.
• Narcotic pain relievers if needed.
• Anticonvulsants or antiseizure drugs. These include Tegretol, Lyrica and Neurontin.

Restless legs syndrome is often not properly diagnosed, because the symptoms may be erratic. If you suspect you have RLS, make a list of symptoms and have a detailed discussion with your physician. Also try to find out if any relatives suffer from the same symptoms.