Restless Legs Syndrome

“Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterised by unpleasant sensations in the legs and the compelling need to move the legs usually experienced…”.1

Umbrella
What may the Restless Legs Syndrome Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Ekbom syndrome
  • Ekbom’s syndrome
  • Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
  • Restless Legs Syndrome/Willis-Ekbom Disease (RLS/WED)
  • Willis-Ekbom Disease

Definition

What is restless legs syndrome (RLS)?

DotS the definition of RLS may vary. The (United States) National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke’s (NINDS) definition is:

“Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also called Willis-Ekbom Disease, causes unpleasant or uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an irresistible urge to move them”.2

The (Australian) Brain Foundation and Headache Australia’s definition is:

“Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterised by unpleasant sensations in the legs and the compelling need to move the legs, usually experienced when trying to sleep. The strange sensation, usually in the calves, has been described as a type of cramp, soreness or a creeping, crawling feeling. Some liken the sensation to shooting darts of electricity, or even squirming insects inside the legs. The sensations range in severity from uncomfortable to irritating to painful”.3

Signs and Symptoms

What are common signs and symptoms of RLS?

In Restless Legs Syndrome Fact Sheet: What Are Common Signs and Symptoms of Restless Legs? the NINDS explain:

“People with RLS feel the irresistible urge to move, which is accompanied by uncomfortable sensations in their lower limbs that are unlike normal sensations experienced by people without the disorder. The sensations in their legs are often difficult to define but may be described as aching throbbing, pulling, itching, crawling, or creeping. These sensations less commonly affect the arms, and rarely the chest or head. Although the sensations can occur on just one side of the body, they most often affect both sides. They can also alternate between sides. The sensations range in severity from uncomfortable to irritating to painful”.4

PLMS and PLMW

What are Periodic Limb Movements of Sleep (PLMS) and Periodic Limb Movements of Wakefulness (PLMW)?

DotS the definition of PLMS and PLMW may vary.In Restless Legs Syndrome: Description the (United States) Genetics Home Reference definitions are:

“Many people with restless legs syndrome also experience uncontrollable, repetitive leg movements that occur while they are sleeping or while relaxed or drowsy. When these movements occur during sleep, they are called periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS); when they occur while a person is awake, they are called periodic limb movements of wakefulness (PLMW). It is unclear whether PLMS and PLMW are features of restless legs syndrome itself or represent similar, but separate, conditions”.5

Common or Not

How common is RLS?

In Restless Legs Syndrome Fact Sheet: What Is Restless Legs Syndrome? the NINDS explain:

“It is estimated that up to 7-10 percent of the U.S. population may have RLS. RLS occurs in both men and women, although women are more likely to have it than men. It may begin at any age. Many individuals who are severely affected are middle-aged or older, and the symptoms typically become more frequent and last longer with age”.6

Menopause and RLS

Is there an association between menopause and RLS?

In Menopause and Insomnia: Causes – Restless Legs Syndrome the (British) Women’s Health Concern explain:

“One study of RLS patients found 69 per cent of post-menopausal women perceived their symptoms as worse than before menopause”.7

Restless Legs SyndromeLook for A Pattern

How may I Look for A Pattern with RLS?

In RLS Monitor the (United Kingdom) RLS-UK elaborate on:

“During a medical consultation there is limited time available and it can be hard to accurately look back and relay when our symptoms were at their worst. With this in mind, ‘My RLS Monitor’ has been developed, a seven-day tracker for symptoms to allow you to report your symptoms more comprehensively to your doctor and allow both you and your medical practitioner to spot patterns and/or to help compare these symptoms with previous monitoring and to help keep a track on medication”.8
Restless Legs Syndrome

In Symptoms & Diagnosis: RLS Symptom Diary the (United States) Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation elaborate on:

“The RLS Symptom Diary is a convenient tool to record information on your daily symptoms such as when they occur, how long they last and possible triggers such as nicotine, alcohol or caffeine”.9
Restless Legs Syndrome

Health Care Provider

What if I thinks I have RLS?

If you think you have RLS, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. Together you can discuss your options and if required, agree on who may be the most appropriate health care provider to help you.

In Restless Legs Syndrome: Symptoms & Causes – Overview: When To See A Doctor the (United States) Mayo Clinic encourage us to seek help:

“Some people with RLS never seek medical attention because they worry they won’t be taken seriously. But RLS can interfere with your sleep and cause daytime drowsiness and affect your quality of life. Talk with your doctor if you think you may have RLS”.10

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics related to Restless Legs Syndrome?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Restless Legs Syndrome?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

  1. 5 Doctor-Approved Home Remedies for Restless Legs Syndrome
  2. About RLS
  3. About RLS: Who Can Get Restless Legs Syndrome?
  4. Are You Missing This Simple Treatment for Restless Legs?
  5. Association of Premenopausal Bilateral Oophorectomy With Restless Legs Syndrome
  6. Brain Foundation and Its Division Headache Australia
  7. Depression and RLS
  8. Diagnosing Restless Legs Syndrome
  9. Frequently Asked Questions
  10. Frequently Asked Questions
  11. Genetics Home Reference
  12. Helpful Links
  13. Lifestyle
  14. Living With RLS
  15. Living With Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
  16. Managing Augmentation
  17. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Understanding Restless Legs Syndrome
  18. Medications
  19. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact
  20. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Natural Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Safer, or Better
  21. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Relaxation Techniques for Health
  22. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke [United States]
  23. PLMD: Do Your Limb’s ‘Jerk’ and Move Involuntary?
  24. RLS Monitor
  25. Restless Legs
  26. Restless Legs Syndrome
  27. Restless Legs Syndrome
  28. Restless Legs Syndrome
  29. Restless Legs Syndrome
  30. Restless Legs Syndrome
  31. Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
  32. Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
  33. Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Symptoms
  34. Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Treatment
  35. Restless Legs Syndrome Fact Sheet
  36. Restless Legs Syndrome Fact Sheet: What Causes Restless Legs Syndrome?
  37. Restless Legs Syndrome Information Page
  38. Restless Legs Syndrome Information Page: Treatment
  39. Restless Legs Syndrome: Diagnosis & Treatment
  40. Restless Legs Syndrome: Inheritance
  41. Rls-uk.org [Restless Legs Syndrome-UK [United Kingdom]]
  42. Rls.org [Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation, United States]
  43. Ropinirole HCL
  44. September Is RSL Awareness Month
  45. Sleep Disturbance and the Menopause
  46. Symptoms & Diagnosis
  47. Symptoms & Diagnosis: RLS Symptom Diary
  48. Symptoms & Diagnosis: What Is Augmentation? [+ Video: RLS and Augmentation]
  49. Understanding RLS
  50. What Is RLS?

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Restless Legs Syndrome Description. Brain Foundation and Headache Australia https://brainfoundation.org.au/disorders/restless-legs-syndrome/ Accessed: 24 May 2021
  2. Restless Legs Syndrome Fact Sheet: What Is Restless Legs Syndrome? Date Last Modified: 17 March 2020. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke https://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/patient-caregiver-education/fact-sheets/restless-legs-syndrome-fact-sheet Accessed: 24 May 2021
  3. Restless Legs Syndrome Description. Brain Foundation and Headache Australia https://brainfoundation.org.au/disorders/restless-legs-syndrome/ Accessed: 24 May 2021
  4. Restless Legs Syndrome Fact Sheet: What Are Common Signs and Symptoms of Restless Legs? Date Last Modified: 17 March 2020. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke https://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/patient-caregiver-education/fact-sheets/restless-legs-syndrome-fact-sheet Accessed: 24 May 2021
  5. Restless Legs Syndrome. Page Last Updated on: 18 September 2020. Page Last Reviewed: 01 May 2018. Published: 09 June 2020. Genetics Home Reference https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/restless-legs-syndrome/ Accessed: 24 May 2021
  6. Restless Legs Syndrome Fact Sheet: What Is Restless Legs Syndrome? Date Last Modified: 17 March 2020. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke https://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/patient-caregiver-education/fact-sheets/restless-legs-syndrome-fact-sheet Accessed: 24 May 2021
  7. Menopause and Insomnia: Causes – Restless Legs Syndrome. Publication: September 2018. Women’s Health Concern https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/menopause-and-insomnia/ Accessed: 24 May 2021
  8. RLS Monitor. RLS-UK https://www.rls-uk.org/rls-monitor Accessed: 24 May 2021
  9. Symptoms & Diagnosis: RLS Symptom Diary. National Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation https://www.rls.org/understanding-rls/symptoms-diagnosis Accessed: 24 May 2021
  10. Restless Legs Syndrome: Symptoms & Causes – Overview: When To See A Doctor. Mayo Clinic. 21 January 2020 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/restless-legs-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20377168 Accessed: 24 May 2021

Topic Last Updated: 24 May 2021 – Topic Last Reviewed: 24 May 2021
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