Restless Leg Syndrome

People experience restless legs in many different ways, but all describe very unpleasant "creepy, crawly", even painful sensations that occur in the legs when they are sitting or lying still, especially at bedtime. Although it affects mostly the legs, it can also affect the arms.

The uncomfortable feelings of RLS appear most often in the calves of the legs and are temporarily relieved by stretching or moving the limb the sensation is in.

The constant need to stretch or move the limbs to relieve the sensations often prevents a person from falling asleep. For this reason, a person with RLS might be very tired during the day and unable to perform work or tasks well. Their social activities may be hampered due to the excessive fatigue.

RLS may interfere not only with a good night's sleep but may impact how long you can sit still and travel by plane or car. The ability to sit still at the movies, a concert or in business meetings may be impaired.

RLS is not related to emotional or psychological disorders.

Five to ten people of every one hundred experience the uneasiness of RLS at some point in their lives. RLS is more common in older individuals but may occur at any age. RLS can be severe during pregnancy, especially the last six months. RLS may come and go without any obvious cause over the course of a person's life.

The cause of RLS is not known but there are some related conditions. Approximately 30 percent of RLS cases appear to be hereditary. Other related situations might include:

• Iron deficiency anemia
• Taking antidepressants
• Nerve problems
• Disorders of the kidneys
• Alcoholism
• Vitamin or mineral deficiencies
• Consumption of caffiene
• Fatigue
• Sleep deprivation

A visit with a sleep specialist can help determine if you have RLS. There are some home remedies that have worked for some people including:

• Hot bathes
• Massages
• Pain relievers
• Ice or hot packs

Depending on the severity your sleep physician may prescribe medications to help with RLS.