What is Restless Leg Syndrome?
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| This disorder, which often appears in otherwise healthy people, is not related to emotional or psychological disorders. Although it affects mostly the legs it can also affect the arms. |
| People experience restless legs in many different ways, but all describe very unpleasant "creepy, crawly" sensations that occur in the legs when they are sitting or lying still, especially at bedtime. If you have RLS you know it is not like the pain of a leg cramp, or the numbness someone feels if a leg falls asleep. RLS sensations are also different from the "pins and needles" or burning feeling a person with diabetes may experience. The uncomfortable feelings of RLS appear most often in the calves of the legs and are temporarily relieved by stretching or moving the legs. |
| In more severe instances, restless legs syndrome can be painful, or disturbing enough to cause insomnia. The constant need to stretch or move the legs to get rid of the RLS sensations often prevents a person with RLS from falling asleep. As a result, the person may be extremely tired during the day and unable to perform well at work or take part in social activities. |
| The sleepiness that results from a restless night is not the only daytime problem you might experience if you have RLS. During the day, RLS can interfere with the length of time you can travel by car, airplane, or any other kind of transportation requiring you to sit still for long periods of time. RLS may disturb your ability to sit still at movies, concerts, and in business meetings. The sleep loss and disturbance of daytime activities can make you feel anxious and depressed. |
| What is Periodic Limb Movement Disorder ? |
| Another disorder that affects the limbs is periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), also known as nocturnal myoclonus. While the movements of RLS are a voluntary response to uncomfortable feelings in the limbs when a person is awake, the movements of PLMD occur most often when a person is asleep and are involuntary (that is, not consciously controlled). |
| People with periodic limb movements are often not aware of these movements, although on rare occasions they may notice the involuntary movements of PLMD while they are still awake. Most people with RLS have periodic limb movements, but patients with PLMD often do not have RLS. Periodic limb movements usually occur in the legs but may also affect the arms. As the name implies, the movements occur at periodic (regular) intervals, usually every 30 seconds. They typically consist of an extension of the big toe, together with an upward bending of the ankle, knee, or hip. The movements are sometimes similar to jerking or kicking. These movements can cause subtle to complete awakenings throughout the night. |
| If you experience periodic leg movements five or more times during each hour of your sleep, they may be serious enough to prevent you from sleeping. You may be awakened by leg movements occurring immediately after you fall asleep but when you awaken not even realize you had fallen asleep. When this happens, you may complain of difficulty falling asleep. |
| Restless Leg Syndrome |
| Approximately 30% of RLS cases have a hereditary cause. The causes of the other 70% of RLS cases are not clearly known. The cases of RLS that run in families often have more severe symptoms and are often more difficult to treat. |
| A number of situations seem to be related or produce the symptoms of RLS. These situations include: iron deficiency anemia, poor blood circulation in the legs, nerve problems, muscle disorders, kidney disorders, alcoholism, and vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Other things that may trigger RLS are stopping or starting certain medications, consumption of caffeine, smoking, fatigue, hot temperatures, or extended time in cold temperatures. |
| Periodic Limb Movement Disorder |
| The same factors that are associated with RLS are associated with PLMD. Periodic limb movements are more common in people who have kidney disease or narcolepsy. Some antidepressant medications can also increase the frequency of periodic limb movements. |
