Restless leg syndrome

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Superficial anterior muscles

Restless leg syndrome is a sleep disorder characterized by leg discomfort during sleep, which is only relieved by frequent movements of the legs.

Nocturnal myoclonus; RLS

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. In some cases, no other medical or neurological condition is identified. However, restless leg syndrome may occur in patients with peripheral neuropathy or other neurological disorders.

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.

Review Date: 08/26/2006
Reviewed By: Gail A. Kang, M.D., San Francisco VA Parkinson's Disease Research, Education, & Clinical Center, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.