Restless legs syndrome (RLS)
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.