Restless Leg Syndrome
(Neurological Disorder)
In this condition factsheet:
The Facts on Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a neurological (nervous system) disorder. It is characterized by an urge to move the legs in order to relieve abnormal sensations such as pain, creeping, or burning. In fact, some people say it feels like insects are crawling around inside their legs.
The urge to move the legs occurs during periods of rest, such as before falling asleep, and generally tends to be worse in the evenings and at night. Although movement relieves the symptoms, the sensations often return. Although this condition is known as Restless Legs Syndrome, the abnormal sensations can occur in the arms as well.
According to the age of onset, RLS is categorized as early-onset or late-onset. RLS occurs in both men and women, although the incidence is slightly higher in women. This condition also becomes more frequent and severe with age.
In around 80% of cases, people with RLS also experience sudden jerking of the arms and legs known as periodic limb movements. People don't have control over this movement, which generally occurs every 20 to 40 seconds and may continue throughout the night.
Between 5% to 15% of people around the world may have RLS.
Causes of Restless Leg Syndrome
The cause of RLS is not clear. Scientists have observed that approximately half of the people who have RLS also have a family member with the condition.
RLS is thought to be caused by one the following underlying conditions:
- a sedentary lifestyle
- arthritis
- being overweight
- diabetes
- drug withdrawal
- kidney failure
- low levels of iron or certain vitamins
- medications used to treat nausea, allergies, seizures, depression, or psychosis
- other diseases of the nervous system
- Parkinson's disease
- pregnancy
People with these conditions sometimes experience relief from RLS symptoms once the underlying condition is treated or when the suspected drug is discontinued.
Drinking coffee or alcohol and smoking may aggravate or trigger symptoms in people with RLS or those who are likely to develop it. Decreasing your intake of these substances, or stopping them altogether, may relieve or reduce symptoms of RLS. Not getting enough sleep also seems to aggravate the disorder.
Symptoms and Complications of Restless Leg Syndrome
The following are characteristic symptoms of RLS:
- During periods of rest, abnormal sensations occur in the legs or arms including crawling, creeping, tingling, burning, and pain. These abnormal sensations can range from mild to intolerable.
- Movement temporarily helps relieve abnormal sensations, although they often return after the movement is stopped.
- Symptoms are generally worse in the evenings or at night.
- Symptoms are not always constant and may disappear and return for no apparent reason.
- The symptoms tend to get more frequent and severe with age.
Over 80% of people with RLS also experience uncontrollable movements of the arms or legs during sleep, a phenomenon known as periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS). PLMS tends to occur more commonly in people with obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, or rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behaviour disorder.
Since the symptoms are worse at night, people with RLS or PLMS may have problems falling asleep or may wake up several times during the sleep. Some may find it difficult to function normally at school or work or to carry out their normal activities due to tiredness.
