People with restless legs syndrome feel bothered by an almost irresistible urge to move their legs when they lie down or relax. RLS’s tingling, aching, and itching can last for hours and prevent people from getting the sleep they need. Anyone can have restless legs syndrome. However, it’s more common in older adults and women. After age 50, the restless legs syndrome can significantly increase in severity and significantly disrupt sleep.
Studies show that 1 out of 10 people suffers from restless legs. Many people with RLS never receive proper treatment. To the biggest degree, it’s hard to explain the issue, and sufferers are often dismissed as “nervous.” Those who have never experienced RLS may not understand how severely they can impact the quality of your life. Even doctors may not take restless legs seriously, recognize the symptoms, or realize they point to a real medical condition.
Thus, the most common signs and symptoms of RLS are:
- Leg discomfort combined with a strong urge to move.
- The uncomfortable leg sensations start or worsen when you’re sitting, lying down, or trying to relax.
- Symptoms get worse at night.
- Symptoms improve when you walk or move your legs.
- Many people with RLS also have periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), which involves repetitive cramping or jerking of the legs during sleep.
People may feel the symptoms of RLS only once in a while, such as times of high stress, or they may plague every night. In severe cases of RLS, individuals may experience symptoms in their arms and legs.
