Restless Legs Syndrome

Estimates are that up to 10% of adults have restless legs syndrome or "RLS." Children may also develop RLS. It is a very common cause of the symptom of insomnia. Less commonly, RLS may also result in excessive daytime sleepiness.

Restless legs syndrome causes the following symptoms:

A frequent urge to move the legs (or other body parts), sometimes accompanied by annoying or uncomfortable sensations
The urge to move or the sensations are worse during rest or inactivity
The urge to move or the sensations are temporarily relieved or reduced by movement
These symptoms are worse, or only occur, in the evening or during the night

Restless legs syndrome in some cases will:

Involve other body parts such as arms, the trunk, the face, even the whole body
Cause involuntary twitches of legs or arms or the whole body
Result in severe difficulty getting to sleep

Children with restless legs syndrome:

Have a greater risk of daytime problems such as attention deficit disorder
May have sleep problems as severe as adults with RLS
May be hard to diagnose because the symptoms are hard to describe
Can be treated as successfully as adults

Treatment

Successful treatment is available, usually with prescription medication.
Thorough evaluation includes blood tests, especially to check the patient’s iron storage system, as many people with RLS have iron storage abnormalities. If treatment is needed here, it must be monitored by a knowledgeable healthcare provider to avoid complications.
Mild cases may be helped with “behavioral” treatments that help change the sensation in the legs such as hot baths, cold showers, massage, modest exercise, etc.
Most people with RLS can expect to have their sleep problems greatly reduced or even resolved.