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Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is the third most common reported sleep disorder, and one of the most common causes of severe insomnia. Including its mild form, this irritating disorder affects between 10 and 15 percent of the population. Although its classified separately as a movement disorder  its important to note that all sleep related movement disorders are technically parasomnias. Together they comprise the movement and behavioral disorders related to sleep. The way people describe their symptoms is often imprecise and can vary considerably, but the common denominator is an unpleasant sensation in the legs. Sufferers may say they feel a "creepy, crawly" sensation in their legs when they trying to sleep or when they're just resting quietly. Or they describe extreme discomfort, pain, pulling, searing, boring, or deep itching sensations down the legs. Some patients have even described this sensation as 'electric ants' or bugs running up and down the legs.

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. However, early descriptions date back to the 17th century. It is recognized now as a neurologic movement disorder of the limbs, often associated with a sleep complaint. Patients with RLS have a characteristic difficulty in trying to depict their symptoms; they may report sensations such as an almost irresistible urge to move the legs, which are not painful but are distinctly bothersome; this can lead to significant physical and emotional disability. The sensations usually are worse during inactivity and often interfere with sleep, leading to walking discomfort, chronic sleep deprivation, and stress. Once correctly diagnosed, RLS can usually be treated effectively by relieving symptoms; in some secondary cases, it can even be cured. Path

Restless Legs Syndrome Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common yet under-diagnosed movement disorder that is characterized by unpleasant limb sensations occurring at rest and is associated with an irresistible urge to move. Periodic limb movements (PLM) may accompany these sensations and often interfere with sleep onset or sleep quality. Discomfort, sleep disturbances, and fatigue are direct results of RLS and may have a negative impact on a person's quality of life. Although RLS was first recognized several centuries ago, it was not until recently that progress began in defining the clinical features of RLS. Specifically, an International RLS Study Group, (the IRLSSG), has organized and has started to define the characteristic symptoms of RLS. Criteria for the diagnosis of RLS, as described by the IRLSSG, include four features: An urge to move the legs usually accompanied or caused by uncomfortable and unpleasant sensations in the legs. (Sometimes the urge to move is p

Restless legs syndrome Restless legs syndrome is characterised by uncomfortable sensations in the legs, which are worse during periods of inactivity or rest or while sitting or lying down. Summary Restless legs syndrome is characterised by uncomfortable sensations in the legs. It gets worse during periods of inactivity or rest or while sitting or lying down. There is often a positive family history of the disorder. The sensations are described as: pulling, drawing, crawling, wormy, boring, tingling, pins and needles and prickly. It is a life-long condition for which there is no cure. Description Restless legs syndrome is characterised by uncomfortable sensations in the legs, which are worse during periods of inactivity or rest or while sitting or lying down. There is often a positive family history of the disorder. Individuals affected with the disorder describe the sensations as pulling, drawing, crawling, wormy, boring, tingling, pins and needles, prickly, an