What is Restless legs syndrome (RLS)?

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition in which your legs feel extremely uncomfortable while you're sitting or lying down. It usually makes you feel like getting up and moving around. When you do so, the unpleasant feeling of Restless legs syndrome (RLS) goes away. When in serious conditions your legs may jerks just before you fall asleep.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) affects both sexes, can begin at any age and may worsen as you get older. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) can disrupt sleep — leading to daytime drowsiness — and make traveling difficult.

Unpleasant sensations of Restless legs syndrome (RLS) as "deep-seated, creeping, crawling, jittery, tingling, burning or aching" feelings in their calves, thighs, feet or arms. Sometimes the sensations seem to defy description. People usually don't describe the condition as a muscle cramp or numbness. Common characteristics of the signs and symptoms include:

• Mostly during inactivity. The sensation typically begins while you're lying down or sitting for an extended period of time, such as in a car, airplane or movie cinema.
• Relief by movement. The sensation of Restless legs syndrome (RLS) lessens if you get up and move. The compelling desire to move is what gives restless legs syndrome its name.
• Worsening of symptoms in the evening. Symptoms typically are less bothersome during the day and are felt primarily at night.
• Nighttime leg twitching. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is associated with periodic limb movements of sleep (Restless legs syndrome (RLS) ). With Restless legs syndrome (RLS) you involuntarily flex and extend your legs while sleeping — without being aware you're doing it — often resulting in a restless night's sleep for your bed partner. Hundreds of these twitching or kicking movements may occur throughout the night. If you have severe Restless legs syndrome (RLS) , these involuntary kicking movements may also occur while you're awake. PLMS is common in older adults, even without Restless legs syndrome (RLS) , and doesn't always disrupt sleep. More than four out of five people with Restless legs syndrome (RLS) also experience Restless legs syndrome (RLS) .

Most people with Restless legs syndrome (RLS) find it difficult to get to sleep or stay asleep. Insomnia may lead to excessive daytime drowsiness, but Restless legs syndrome (RLS) may prevent you from enjoying a daytime nap.