What is restless legs syndrome?

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sensorimotor disorder characterized by abnormal or unpleasant sensations occurring primarily in the legs. These unpleasant sensations lead to an overwhelming urge to move the legs, and the resulting movement relieves the symptoms for a short time. Restless legs syndrome gets worse during periods of inactivity or when relaxing, especially during the evening. Sleeping difficulties caused by RLS can lead to limited sleep and daytime exhaustion, resulting in diminished quality of life. Because of the sleep disturbance that occurs with RLS, it is often mistaken as a sleep disorder when in fact it is a movement disorder that can affect sleep.

What are the symptoms of RLS?

While RLS symptoms can vary from person to person, they are generally described as burning, creeping, crawling, aching, tingling, or tugging sensations in the legs. These sensations often occur in the lower legs, deep inside the leg. These sensations can also occur in the feet, thighs, trunk, and arms. The characteristic discomfort of RLS begins or intensifies when inactive (eg, lying down).

What causes RLS?

Currently, the cause of RLS is unknown. Researchers have discovered a genetic component to RLS and have demonstrated that 50% of the cases of idiopathic RLS can be traced back to a family history.⁶ Secondary RLS can be the result of an underlying medical condition such as iron deficiency, end-stage renal disease, pregnancy, diabetes, or Parkinson's disease. Currently, research suggests that low levels of the chemical dopamine found in the brain can play a role in the development of RLS.

How common is RLS?

Approximately 10% of adults suffer from RLS.¹ It is believed that RLS is often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed, which suggests that the estimate of 10% may be too low. It is believed that RLS affects women twice as often as men and that the incidence of RLS increases with age.^{7, 8}

How is RLS diagnosed?

Unlike many other disorders, there is no single test for RLS. At best, laboratory tests can rule out other possible conditions to support a diagnosis of RLS, or indicate a clinical condition (such as anemia or an iron deficiency) that may be an underlying cause of RLS. A physician will often diagnose RLS based on a patient's family and clinical history as well as the patient's symptoms. Often RLS is misdiagnosed, being mistaken for a variety of other conditions (eg, nocturnal leg cramps).

How is RLS treated?

Anyone who believes that he or she may have RLS should consult with his or her physician.

In cases where RLS is a result of an underlying disorder such as an iron deficiency, treatment of the associated condition will often lessen symptoms. Often physicians will suggest a patient take supplements in the case of magnesium, iron, or folate deficiencies. Supplements should only be taken under the supervision of a physician and only in cases where a mineral deficiency is present.

In patients with spontaneously occurring RLS, there is currently no cure. However, RLS symptoms can be controlled in many ways. Often lifestyle changes and activities can help ease RLS symptoms. For example, cutting down on caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco are known to help. Light to moderate exercise can also lessen symptoms; however, intense exercise can worsen RLS. Other suggestions to ease RLS symptoms include staying mentally occupied, taking hot baths, and massaging the affected limbs. If RLS cannot be managed by lifestyle changes and self-administered treatment, there are various pharmacologic therapies that can be used, including dopaminergics, benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants, and opioids.

How can I learn more about RLS?

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