Restless leg syndrome (RLS) occurs most often in middle-aged and older adults. It is worsened by stress. The cause is not known.

The disorder consists of sensations in the lower legs that make the person uncomfortable unless the legs are moved. The sensations usually occur shortly after going to bed but may also occur during the daytime.

The abnormal sensations occasionally occur in the upper leg, the feet or the arms in addition to the lower leg. There are often no obvious vascular or neurologic abnormalities associated with the disorder. Sometimes restless leg syndrome can be associated with peripheral nerve diseases, however.

There is an irresistible urge to walk or move the legs to relieve the discomfort, resulting in periodic episodes of leg movements during early sleep stages. The symptoms may last for 1 hour or longer.

Restless leg syndrome can result in a decreased quality of sleep (insomnia) with subsequent daytime sleepiness, anxiety or depression, and confusion or slowed thought processes from lack of sleep.

• Sleeping difficulty
• Persistent leg movements during sleep hours
• Irresistible urge to move the legs
• Abnormal sensation in the legs (occasionally, feet, thighs, arms)
  • Creeping sensations or discomfort (not pain, not cramps) relieved by movement of the legs
  • May occur during the day
  • Worse when lying down

There is no specific examination for restless leg syndrome. No structural or other abnormalities are usually discovered unless peripheralnerve disease is also present. A blood test may be done to rule out anemia, which rarely has been associated with restless leg syndrome.

Examination and testing may be used to rule out other disorders that may cause similar symptoms, especially disorders associated with claudication of the legs.

There is no known cure for restless leg syndrome.

Minimizing stress and promoting muscle relaxation are often helpful in reducing episodes of restless leg syndrome. Warm baths, gentle stretching exercises, massage or similar techniques may promote muscle relaxation.

If sleep is severely disrupted, medications such as Sinemet (an anti-Parkinson's medication) or tranquilizers such as clonazepam may be helpful to some people, but they may worsen daytime sleepiness in others. Low doses of Pramipexole, a dopamine agonist, has been found to be very effective in controlling symptoms in some people.

Sometimes low doses of narcotics will relieve symptoms of restless leg syndrome as well.