Restless Legs Syndrome

What is restless legs syndrome?

Restless legs syndrome (RLS), sometimes known as Willis-Ekborn Disease, is a condition that affects your nervous system – resulting in a restless sensation in your legs, making you want to move them.

Who gets restless legs syndrome?

Although restless legs syndrome can affect anyone, it’s more common in women and people entering middle age. It’s more common, for example, in women over forty than in men and children. It also affects one in five pregnant women, usually in their third trimester.

How common is restless legs syndrome?

Restless legs syndrome is quite common, the amount of people that have it worldwide is estimated to be between 3.9%-15%.^[1]

What causes restless legs syndrome?

Restless legs syndrome could be a result of a faulty gene, an iron deficiency, anemia, kidney failure or other existing medical conditions, such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.

RLS is also related to a dysfunction in one of the areas of the brain that controls movement (called the basal ganglia).^[1] When dopamine receptors in this area are damaged, signals become confused, and this causes involuntary movements or spasms and a restless feeling.

What are the symptoms of restless legs syndrome?

As the name suggests, restless legs syndrome causes a feeling of restlessness in your legs. An overwhelming urge to move your legs, a tingling sensation, and physical jumping in your thighs, calves and feet. Sometimes the symptoms of restless legs syndrome can be found in your arms as well.

These symptoms can range from a slightly irritating tingling sensation, to an uncontrollable compulsion to move your legs, which can keep you up all night and cause stress and fatigue.

When will you experience symptoms of restless legs syndrome?

Most people who have Restless Legs Syndrome experience symptoms in the evenings, when sitting or lying down, or when trying to get to sleep. This is why RLS can disrupt healthy, natural sleep. If the condition is because of other underlying health problems, poor sleep can make pre-existing issues worse.

Can restless legs syndrome lead to other problems?

There’s no medical evidence to suggest that restless legs syndrome can cause more serious health concerns. But it can and will have a detrimental effect on your overall lifestyle and health, because it can cause sleep deprivation. Without healthy, natural sleep, all health conditions can worsen.