They may also note a worsening of symptoms if their sleep is further reduced by events or activity. Some people with RLS have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. They may pace the floor, constantly move their legs while sitting, and toss and turn in bed.Ī classic feature of RLS is that the symptoms are worse at night with a distinct symptom-free period in the early morning, allowing for more refreshing sleep at that time. The sensations range in severity from uncomfortable to irritating to painful.īecause moving the legs (or other affected parts of the body) relieves the discomfort, people with RLS often keep their legs in motion to minimize or prevent the sensations. Although the sensations can occur on just one side of the body, they most often affect both sides. These sensations less commonly affect the arms, and rarely the chest or head. The sensations in their legs are often difficult to define but may be described as aching throbbing, pulling, itching, crawling, or creeping. People with RLS feel the irresistible urge to move, which is accompanied by uncomfortable sensations in their lower limbs that are unlike normal sensations experienced by people without the disorder. Top What are common signs and symptoms of restless legs? Although many individuals with RLS also develop PLMS, most people with PLMS do not experience RLS.įortunately, most cases of RLS can be treated with non-drug therapies and if necessary, medications. PLMS is characterized by involuntary leg (and sometimes arm) twitching or jerking movements during sleep that typically occur every 15 to 40 seconds, sometimes throughout the night. More than 80 percent of people with RLS also experience periodic limb movement of sleep (PLMS). Many individuals who are severely affected are middle-aged or older, and the symptoms typically become more frequent and last longer with age. RLS occurs in both men and women, although women are more likely to have it than men. It is estimated that up to 7-10 percent of the U.S. Untreated moderate to severe RLS can lead to about a 20 percent decrease in work productivity and can contribute to depression and anxiety. Many people with RLS report they are often unable to concentrate, have impaired memory, or fail to accomplish daily tasks. RLS is one of several disorders that can cause exhaustion and daytime sleepiness, which can strongly affect mood, concentration, job and school performance, and personal relationships. It is, however, best characterized as a neurological sensory disorder with symptoms that are produced from within the brain itself. RLS is classified as a sleep disorder since the symptoms are triggered by resting and attempting to sleep, and as a movement disorder, since people are forced to move their legs in order to relieve symptoms. ![]() ![]() Moving the legs or walking typically relieves the discomfort but the sensations often recur once the movement stops. Since symptoms can increase in severity during the night, it could become difficult to fall asleep or return to sleep after waking up. They also may occur when someone is inactive and sitting for extended periods (for example, when taking a trip by plane or watching a movie). Symptoms commonly occur in the late afternoon or evening hours, and are often most severe at night when a person is resting, such as sitting or lying in bed. Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also called Willis-Ekbom Disease, causes unpleasant or uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an irresistible urge to move them. What is the prognosis for people with restless legs syndrome? What are common signs and symptoms of restless legs?
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