A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Anemia: A disorder caused by having an insufficient amount of red blood cells that causes a lack of oxygen delivery to the body. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, lack of energy, and shortness of breath.

Anticonvulsants: A group of medications used in the treatment of seizures.

Benzodiazepines: A group of medications often used in the treatment of sleeping disorders and anxiety.

Chronic sleep deprivation: A disorder caused by repeated sleep disturbances that lead to inadequate amounts of sleep. Chronic sleep deprivation can have a strong impact on daily activities, affecting mood, energy, and the ability to concentrate.

Diabetes: A disorder caused by the inability of the body to control the amount of sugar in the blood. If left untreated, diabetes can severely damage organs in the body.

Dopamine: A chemical found in the brain that is necessary for transmitting messages from one brain cell to another. Dopamine plays a role in motor coordination, mood, short-term memory, and balance.

Dopaminergics: A group of medications used to control dopamine levels in the brain.

End-stage renal disease: A disorder that occurs when kidney function is less than 10% of its normal level and the only treatment is dialysis or kidney transplantation.

Fatigue: The state of being extremely tired and without energy.

Folate: A B vitamin that is required for red blood cell production. Folate is found in many foods including nuts, whole grains, and leafy green vegetables.

Genetic component: A trait, condition, or characteristic that is inherited, passed from parents to offspring.

Idiopathic restless legs syndrome: Primary restless legs syndrome that occurs without any known cause and is not the effect of a secondary disease.

International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG): An international group of investigators chosen for their significant contributions to the field of restless legs syndrome research. This group has helped define the essential criteria for restless legs syndrome diagnosis.

Iron deficiency: A disorder that occurs when there is not enough iron in the body, causing problems with red blood cell production, muscle function, and numerous other biological processes.

Magnesium: A mineral commonly used in the body to help maintain muscles, nerves, and bones.

Movement disorder: A group of neurological conditions that affect movement.

National Institutes of Health (NIH): The NIH is the administrative heart of biomedical research in the United States and is responsible for the activities of a number of leading research centers.

Nocturnal leg cramps: Painful, uncontrolled muscle contractions that occur during the night.

Opioids: A group of medications used to treat moderate to severe pain. These drugs have properties similar to the narcotic commonly known as opium.

Parkinson's disease: A neurological disorder caused by the injury or death of dopamine-producing cells in the brain. This chronic disease can affect muscle control, movement, and speech.

Periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS): A disorder characterized by repetitive movements that occur while sleeping. If left untreated, PLMS can cause chronic sleep deprivation.

Quality of life: A scientific measure of personal well-being.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS): A sensorimotor disorder characterized by unpleasant sensations that occur primarily in the legs. These sensations lead to an overwhelming desire to move the affected limb in an effort to ease discomfort. The effects of RLS are associated with sleep disturbance, daytime exhaustion, and diminished quality of life.

Secondary restless legs syndrome: Restless legs syndrome symptoms that occur due to a secondary condition like pregnancy, anemia, or iron deficiency. Secondary RLS usually will go away once the underlying condition has been treated.

Sensorimotor: A term used to describe the combination and interaction of sensory and motor effects.

Sleep disorder: A group of conditions characterized by an inability to have normal, restful sleep.

Underdiagnosis: A term used to describe the lack of physician diagnosis of a particular disorder or condition.