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Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease (WED), is a common sleep-related movement disorder. About 1 in 10 adults in the U.S. have problems from restless leg syndrome. It also can be seen in about 2% of children. Women are twice as likely as men to have RLS. People with RLS will have symptoms most often during times when they are less active, especially at bedtime. RLS most often causes an overwhelming urge to move your legs and sometimes other parts of your body.
This urge is often associated with unpleasant sensations in different parts of the body. The symptoms can be mild to severe and can affect your ability to go to sleep and stay asleep. People with RLS often sleep less at night and feel more tired during the day.
What causes RLS?
The exact cause of RLS is uncertain. Studies have shown that low iron levels in the brain may be the cause or may be associ-ated with RLS. Genetics likely also play a role, so if you have a family member with RLS, you are more likely to have it.
Some medical conditions may trigger or be associated with RLS. These conditions include iron deficiency, kidney failure, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, varicose veins, and peripheral neuropathy. Pregnancy, usually in the last trimester, can also cause RLS. RLS due to pregnancy often resolves on its own within a month after delivery.
Some medications, such as those to treat depression, other psychiatric conditions, nausea, colds/allergies, heart problems, and high blood pressure may also cause or worsen RLS. Environmental and lifestyle factors like alcohol, smoking, caffeine, diet and stress may also play a role in RLS.
How do I know if I have RLS?
There are 5 key features that you must have to diagnose RLS. One way to remember the first four is to think of the first letters of the word-URGE:
* Urge to move: With RLS, you have an overwhelming urge to move your legs (or other affected body parts). Usually both legs are affected, but some people may have symptoms initially in one leg that may later occur in the other leg or in other parts of the body, such as the arms or torso. You...