Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder that causes unpleasant sensations in the legs and an irrepressible need to move them. RLS symptoms are often described as a tingling, aching, burning, pulling or itching sensation. These usually intensify during periods of rest or inactivity, especially in the evening and at night. Repetitive movements such as walking up and down, shaking the legs or kicking may bring temporary relief.
Some RLS sufferers experience only occasional discomfort after prolonged immobility. Others have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, which reduces the quality of their sleep and leads to adverse daytime effects such as fatigue, excessive sleepiness, concentration and memory problems, and depressed mood1.
The exact source of RLS is often unknown, but many factors are thought to increase the level of risk2. Researchers suspect that it results from a lack of dopamine, a chemical molecule produced by the brain that plays a role in muscle movement. Genetics may also be involved, as RLS is often hereditary and several variants are thought to be associated with it. Finally, this syndrome is more common in women, particularly during pregnancy and with age.
In some cases, RLS may be linked to an underlying health problem such as nerve damage, kidney failure, iron deficiency or Parkinson's disease. In addition, its symptoms may be aggravated by the consumption of coffee, tobacco, alcohol and certain medications.
If you're experiencing troublesome RLS symptoms, be sure to talk to your doctor. A medical evaluation may help you find an approach that can control the effects of RLS and improve your quality of life.
If your case is mild, lifestyle changes may be enough to relieve your symptoms. You can, for example, adopt an exercise program, cut down on certain substances (caffeine, nicotine, alcohol), have massage therapy, obtain acupuncture treatments or use heat or cold therapy with baths, water bottles or other methods. For more severe cases, medication or iron supplements may be prescribed1,3.
By Cherie La Rocque, PhD, R. Psych.
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