Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD)

Classification of Sleep Disorders - Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a sleep disorder that causes an irresistible urge to move the legs (or arms) while asleep.

Sleep is disturbed, as a result of these abnormal movements. RLS is estimated to affect nearly 5% of the population.

This urge to move the legs is usually, but not always, due to uncomfortable, tingly, aching, or creeping sensations.

Symptoms of restless legs syndrome include-

• Uncomfortable sensations in legs, accompanied by a strong urge to move them.

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• The discomfort a person experiences while resting is relieved only on moving the legs, or on stretching, or massaging the legs.
• The sensations are triggered by rest and worsen at night.
• Tiredness and fatigue due to lack of nocturnal sleep.
• Extreme drowsiness during the daytime.

Treatment of restless legs syndrome include-

• Dopamine agonists