What is restless legs?
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sleep disorder that causes tingling,
pulling, creeping or painful sensations in the legs at night. This
sensation is brought on by lying down in bed or sitting for prolonged
periods, such as while driving or at a theatre. RLS typically occurs in
the evening, making it difficult to fall asleep. Often, people with RLS
want to walk around and shake their legs to help relieve the
uncomfortable sensation.
Signs and symptoms
RLS symptoms include uncomfortable leg sensations like cramping or tingling generally in the calf region of the leg. When RLS is advanced, a person may feel these symptoms in the hands and arms. Unusual sensations typically surface at nighttime and at rest. Often, sensations can be reduced or eliminated by stretching, walking, or exercising the affected muscles. As a result of these symptoms, people with RLS often have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep.
