Overview Restless legs syndrome RLS is a condition that causes an uncontrollable urge to move your legs, usually because of an uncomfortable sensation. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Restless legs syndrome.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Accessed Nov. Ondo WG. Clinical features and diagnosis of restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder in adults. Silber MH.
Treatment of restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder in adults. Garcia-Borreguero D, et al. Sleep Medicine. Winkelman JW, et al. Practice guideline summary: Treatment of restless legs syndrome in adults — Report of the guideline development, dissemination and implementation subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Silber MH, et al. The appropriate use of opioids in the treatment of refractory restless legs syndrome. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Trenkwalder, et al.
Comorbidities, treatment and pathophysiology in restless legs syndrome. The Lancet Neurology. Restless legs syndrome. Genetics Home Reference. Riggin EA. Allscripts EPSi.
Mayo Clinic. RLS may have a genetic component. Researchers have identified some genetic changes that increase risk for RLS, but it is likely that more have yet to be discovered. Sitting or resting are common triggers for RLS symptoms. Additionally, some substances can make symptoms worse. These include:.
Incidentally, most of these substances when taken in excess or too close to bedtime can also adversely affect our sleep architecture. The goals of treatment for RLS are to stabilize symptoms and improve sleep consistency. There are both non-medicinal approaches and drug treatments available to manage RLS. The following approaches can reduce symptoms in patients with mild or moderate RLS and may be used in combination with medication in RLS patients who have severe symptoms.
Learn more about treating RLS here. Alexa Fry is a science writer with experience working for the National Cancer Institute. She also holds a certificate in technical writing. Wright, M.
She has a decade of experience in the study of disease. Restless legs syndrome RLS , otherwise known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a disorder characterized by uncomfortable tingling sensations and an irresistible…. If you are experiencing leg pain at night, you may be wondering if you have restless leg syndrome RLS. Good sleep is essential for our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
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What Causes Restless Legs Syndrome? Related Reading. Sign up below for your free gift. Your privacy is important to us. Was this article helpful? Yes No. Heather Wright Pathologist MD. Genetics Home Reference. Children with RLS also have an overwhelming urge to move their legs. RLS can interfere with sleep, which can affect every aspect of life.
A child with RLS may seem inattentive, irritable, or fidgety. They may be labeled disruptive or hyperactive. Diagnosing and treating RLS can help address these problems and improve school performance. Any dietary deficiencies must be addressed. Children with RLS should avoid caffeine and develop good bedtime habits.
If necessary, medications that affect dopamine, benzodiazepines, and anticonvulsants may be prescribed. Learn more about how children are affected by restless leg syndrome ». Try to cut high-calorie processed foods with little or no nutritional value. Some people with symptoms of RLS are deficient in particular vitamins and minerals.
It all depends on what your test results show. Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron, so you might also want to pair iron-rich foods with these sources of vitamin C:. Caffeine is tricky. It can trigger symptoms of RLS in some people, but actually helps others. Try to avoid it, especially in the evening. Learn more about how your diet can relieve symptoms of restless leg syndrome ». Those strange sensations in your legs can be uncomfortable or painful. And those symptoms can make it almost impossible to fall asleep and stay asleep.
In addition to working with your doctor to find relief, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of restful sleep:. Check out more tips for better sleep with restless leg syndrome ». Symptoms of RLS can spring up for the first time during pregnancy, usually in the last trimester.
Data suggests that pregnant women may have two or three times higher risk of RLS. Some possibilities are vitamin or mineral deficiencies, hormonal changes, or nerve compression. Pregnancy can also cause leg cramps and difficulty sleeping. These symptoms can be hard to distinguish from RLS.
You may need to be tested for iron or other deficiencies. RLS in pregnancy usually goes away on its own within weeks after giving birth. Be sure to mention if you are breast-feeding. Learn more about how restless leg syndrome can affect pregnancy ». Both sides of the body are usually involved, but some people have it on only one side. This causes involuntary leg twitching or jerking during sleep that can last all night long.
Peripheral neuropathy, diabetes, and kidney failure cause symptoms like RLS. Treating the underlying condition often helps.
The same medications can improve symptoms of both conditions. Medication used to combat fatigue associated with chronic diseases can also cause this. Medication adjustments and home remedies may help. Anyone can have occasional leg cramps or strange sensations that come and go.
When symptoms interfere with sleep, see your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Be sure to mention any underlying health conditions. This includes one million school-age children. Among people with RLS, 35 percent had symptoms before age One in ten report symptoms by age Symptoms tend to worsen with age.
Incidence is twice as high in women as in men. Pregnant women may have two or three times higher risk than the general population. Certain antihistamines, antinausea, antidepressant, or antipsychotic medications can trigger or worsen symptoms of RLS.
PLMS involves involuntary leg twitching or jerking every 15 to 40 seconds during sleep. But more than 40 percent of people with RLS have some family history of the condition.
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