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Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless Legs Syndrome Overview

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a disorder of the part of the nervous system that affects movements of the legs. Because it usually interferes with sleep, it also is considered a sleep disorder.

  • People with RLS have strange sensations in their legs (and sometimes arms) and an irresistible urge to move their legs to relieve the sensations.

  • The sensations are difficult to describe: they are not painful, but an uncomfortable, "itchy," "pins and needles," or "creepy crawly" feeling deep in the legs.

  • The sensations are usually worse at rest, especially when lying in bed.

  • The sensations lead to walking discomfort, sleep deprivation, and stress.
RLS affects about 8-10% of the US population. Men and women are affected equally. It may begin at any age, even in infants and young children. Most people who are affected severely are middle-aged or older.

The severity of RLS symptoms ranges from mild to intolerable. Symptoms get gradually worse over time in about two thirds of people with the condition and may be severe enough to be disabling. The symptoms are generally worse in the evening and night and less severe in the morning. While the symptoms are usually quite mild in young adults, by age 50 the symptoms cause severe nightly sleep disruption that leads to decreased alertness in the daytime.

RLS is often unrecognized or misdiagnosed. In many people the condition is not diagnosed until 10-20 years after symptoms begin. Once correctly diagnosed, RLS can often be treated successfully.

Next: Restless Legs Syndrome Causes »

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Restless Legs Syndrome

Sleep Disorders in Women »

Sleep Disorders in Women Overview

Women are twice as likely as men to have difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep. Younger women have sounder sleep with fewer disturbances. Some women, however, are prone to sleep problems throughout their reproductive years. Only recently has the medical community focused on women's sleep disorders.  

A number of factors may affect women’s sleep. Changes in hormonal levels, stress, illness, lifestyle, and sleep environment may impact sleep. Pregnancy- and menstrual-related hormonal fluctuations may affect sleep patterns, mood, and reaction to stress. Many women have premenstrual sleep disturbances. Difficulty falling asleep, nighttime waking, difficulty waking up, and daytime sleepiness all are linked to premenstrual changes. Insomnia (sleeplessness) is one of the most common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Psychosocial stress may threaten sleep more than ...

Read the Sleep Disorders in Women article »



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Restless Legs Syndrome »

The term restless legs syndrome (RLS) was used initially in the mid-1940s by Swedish neurologist Karl A. Ekbom to describe a disorder characterized by sensory symptoms and motor disturbances of the limbs, mainly during rest.

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