1. Yes, Restless Leg Syndrome is a Real Disorder
As the name implies, restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a condition where you feel a distressing urge to move your legs. The condition has been recognized as a health problem for centuries and was first mentioned in medical writings by 17th century English anatomist and physician Sir Thomas Willis. The term "restless leg syndrome" was coined by Swedish neurologist Karl Ekbom in the 1940s. However, a full treatment regime wasn't created until the late 1970s by the American Sleep Disorders Association. RLS affects both genders and is often hereditary.
2. Do I Have It?
Basically, if you have an irresistible urge to move your legs when you're sitting or lying down, there's a good chance that you have restless leg syndrome. Usually you'll feel a crawling sensation deep within your legs or sometimes your arms. Some describe it as a tingling feeling. These sensations usually go away once you move around. If you think you might have RLS, make an appointment with your doctor. He will complete a diagnostic interview to review your medical history and then conduct a physical exam. No laboratory tests are available but your doctor will probably check to see if you have the four basic criteria identified by the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group. These symptoms include: the overwhelming desire to move limbs, symptoms get worse during rest, motor restlessness and symptoms worsening at night.
3. Getting Rid of Those Creepy-Crawlies
The feeling that the muscles in your legs are practically crawling is very unpleasant. However, you can do a few simple things to reduce the symptoms. Decrease your use of caffeine and alcohol. Stop smoking. Take supplements to correct deficiencies in iron, folate and magnesium. Maintain regular sleep patterns. Get a moderate amount of exercise every day. If symptoms are severe enough, your doctor might prescribe a medication. Ropinirole is the only FDA approved drug for treatment of moderate to severe RLS symptoms. Benzodiazepines (such as clonazepam and diazepam) are sometimes prescribed to patients with mild symptoms to help them sleep better.
4. In Search of a Good Night's Sleep
Of course, you could get prescription drugs. The downside is that most of those prescribed depressants that help you sleep will also make you drowsy during the day. Try stretching every evening before you go to bed. Take a hot shower if you wake up at night or find your legs are especially restless before you go to bed.
5. Not the Same as Periodic Limb Movement Disorder
Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) and restless leg syndrome are sometimes connected, but they're not the same. PLMD's symptoms include involuntary leg twitches and jerking during sleep. These twitches happen every 10 to 60 seconds and can badly disrupt sleep. About 80% of patients with restless leg syndrome also have periodic limb movement disorder, but the reverse is not true.
