Do you experience the sensation of “creepy crawlies” in your legs when you’re attempting to settle down for the night?

Restless leg syndrome is a condition that produces an intense, often irresistible urge to move your legs because of unpleasant sensations, usually while you are trying to sleep, according to WebMD. Moving your legs sometimes provides temporary relief. RLS often with sleep, and that can lead to severe fatigue and problems functioning during the day.

Often misunderstood, RLS is actually a neurological disorder that affects approximately 10% of Americans, according to WebMD. Although many are skeptical, new research is bringing new understanding and treatment to this sometimes-debilitating disorder. 

What causes restless legs syndrome?

The cause of restless legs syndrome is largely unknown, however researchers believe it may be be genetic because it runs in families. According to WebMD, conditions such as iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia, kidney failure, pregnancy, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease may be associated with it. Ironically enough, most people who seek treatment do not have one of these conditions. RLS may result from abnormal balances of iron in your blood and of the brain chemical dopamine. However, more research is needed to prove a connection, says WebMD.
What are the symptoms?

RLS causes uncomfortable and sometimes painful sensations in the legs described as tingling, “pins and needles,” prickling, pulling, or crawling. The sensations cause an irresistible urge to move your legs, which may temporarily relieve the discomfort. This usually happens at night while you are trying to rest.  Once you fall asleep, your legs may begin to jerk or move involuntarily. These movements, called periodic limb movements, can wake you from sleep, adding to problems with fatigue. Periodic limb movements may also occur during the day, although you may not recognize them as a problem. While periodic limb movement is considered a separate condition, it often occurs with restless legs syndrome, according to WebMD.

How is restless legs syndrome diagnosed?

WebMD says RLS is diagnosed primarily through a doctor’s evaluation of your symptoms. Sometimes a sleep study called a polysomnography is done to record the number of involuntary body movements you make that interfere with your sleep. You may have other tests, such as blood tests, to rule out other conditions that can cause your symptoms.

How is it treated?

Regular moderate exercise and stretching along with avoiding smoking and caffeine may be enough to relieve mild symptoms. When symptoms are more severe or make it hard to sleep, WebMD says some medicines may also provide relief for some people.