What Is Restless Legs Syndrome?

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sensory disorder causing an almost irresistible urge to move the legs. The urge to move is usually due to unpleasant feelings in the legs that occur when at rest. People with RLS use words such as creeping, crawling, tingling, or burning to describe these feelings. Moving the legs eases the feelings, but only for a while. The unpleasant feelings may also occur in the arms.

Effects of RLS

RLS can make it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep. People with RLS often don’t get enough sleep and may feel tired and sleepy during the day. This can make it difficult to:

• Concentrate, making it harder to learn and remember things
• Work
• Carry out other usual daily activities
• Take part in family and social activities

Not getting enough sleep can also make you feel depressed or have mood swings.

RLS can range from mild to severe, based on:

• How much discomfort you have in your legs and arms
• Whether you feel the need to move around
• How much relief you get from moving around
• How much sleep disturbance you have
• How tired or sleepy you are during the day
• How often you have symptoms
• How severe your symptoms are on most days
• How well you carry out daily activities
• How angry, depressed, sad, anxious, or irritable you feel

Types of RLS

There are two types of RLS:

• Primary RLS is the most common type of RLS. It is also called idiopathic RLS. “Primary” means the cause is not known. Primary RLS, once it starts, usually becomes a lifelong condition. Over time, symptoms tend to get worse and occur more often, especially if they began in childhood or early in adult life. In milder cases, there may be long periods of time with no symptoms, or symptoms may last only for a limited time.
• Secondary RLS is RLS that is caused by another disease or condition or, sometimes, from taking certain medicines. Symptoms usually go away when the disease or condition improves, or if the medicine is stopped.

Periodic Limb Movement Disorder

Most people with RLS also have a condition called periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD). PLMD is a condition in which a person’s legs twitch or jerk uncontrollably about every 10 to 60 seconds. This usually happens during sleep. These movements cause repeated awakenings that disturb or reduce sleep. PLMD usually affects the legs but can also affect the arms.

Outlook

RLS can be unpleasant and uncomfortable. However, there are some simple self-care approaches and lifestyle changes that can help in mild cases. RLS symptoms often improve with medical treatment. Research is ongoing to better understand the causes of RLS and to develop better treatments.

Primary RLS

In most cases of restless legs syndrome (RLS), no cause can be found. When no cause can be found, the condition is called primary RLS. It is known, however, that primary RLS tends to run in families. People whose parents have RLS are more likely to develop the disorder. This suggests that there may be a genetic link that increases the chance of getting RLS.

Secondary RLS

Secondary RLS is RLS that is caused by another disease or condition, or as a side effect of certain medications. Some of the diseases and conditions that can cause RLS are:

• Iron deficiency (with or without anemia)
• Kidney failure
• Diabetes
• Parkinson’s disease
• Damage to the nerves in the hands or feet (peripheral neuropathy) (pe-RIF-e-ral noo-ROP-a-the)
• Rheumatoid arthritis (ROO-ma-toyd ar-THRI-tis)
• Pregnancy

RLS is common in pregnant women. It usually occurs during the last 3 months of pregnancy and usually improves or disappears within a few weeks after delivery. However, some women may continue to have symptoms after giving birth or may develop RLS again later in life.

Some of the types of medicines that can cause RLS are:

• Antiseizure medicines
• Antinausea medicines
• Antidepressants
• Some cold and allergy medicines

RLS symptoms usually go away when the medicine is stopped.

Certain substances can trigger RLS symptoms or make them worse. These substances include:

• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Tobacco

Who Is At Risk for Restless Legs Syndrome?

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) may affect as many as 12 million people in the United States.

Gender

RLS affects both men and women. The disorder occurs more often in women than in men.

Age

The number of cases of RLS rises with age. Many people with RLS are diagnosed in middle age. But in up to two out of every five cases, the symptoms of RLS begin before age 20. People who develop RLS early in life usually have a family history of the disorder.

Race/Ethnic Group

RLS can affect people of any race or ethnic group. The disorder is more common in persons of northern European descent.

Pregnancy

RLS is common in pregnant women. It usually occurs during the last 3 months of pregnancy and usually improves or disappears within a few weeks after delivery.