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…”.1

Umbrella
What may the Restless Legs Syndrome Umbrella include?

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

  • 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 known as Willis-Ekbom Disease, primary RLS, and idiopathic RLS—is a neurological disorder that causes unpleasant or uncomfortable sensations in your legs and an irresistible urge to move them. Symptoms commonly occur in the late afternoon or evening hours and are often most intense at night when you are resting. RLS can severely disrupt your sleep, making it difficult to fall asleep or return to sleep after waking up. Moving the legs or walking typically relieves the discomfort but the sensations often recur once the movement stops”.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: What Is Restless Legs Syndrome? Common Signs and Symptoms of RLS the NINDS explain:

“If you have RLS, you may feel an irresistible urge to move, which is accompanied by uncomfortable sensations in your lower limbs that are unlike normal sensations experienced by someone without the disorder. The sensations in your legs may feel like 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 your body, they most often affect both sides”.4

Common or Not

How common is RLS?

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

“It is estimated that up to seven to 10 percent of the U.S. population may have RLS, which can begin at any age. It occurs in both males and females, although females are more likely to have it. Many individuals who are severely affected are middle-aged or older, and the symptoms typically become more frequent and last longer with age”.5

Menopause and RLS

Is there an association between menopause and RLS?

On page two 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. However, it is not clear whether restless leg syndrome contributes to sleep disturbance, or if women who are not sleeping well are more aware of the problem”.6

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”.7

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”.8

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 health care provider if you think you may have RLS”.9

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z 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.

New or Updated

  1. 2-Minute Neuroscience: Restless Legs Syndrome
  2. Are You Missing This Simple Treatment for Restless Legs?
  3. Association of Premenopausal Bilateral Oophorectomy With Restless Legs Syndrome
  4. Brain Foundation + Migraine & Headache Australia
  5. Depression and RLS
  6. Disruptive Leg Movement? Managing Restless Legs Syndrome
  7. Do I Have Restless Legs Syndrome?
  8. Frequently Asked Questions
  9. Frequently Asked Questions
  10. Helpful Links
  11. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? [+ Video: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause?]
  12. How To Find Relief for Hot Flashes At Night
  13. Lifestyle
  14. Living With RLS
  15. Managing Augmentation
  16. Medications
  17. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
  18. Menopause Mindfulness: A Personal Toolkit for Menopause Preparedness
  19. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
  20. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 5. Lifestyle Advice In Menopause & Perimenopause
  21. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Common Conditions Associated With Menopause and Midlife
  22. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Lifestyle Tips for Menopause
  23. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Mindfulness & Wellbeing During the Menopause Transition
  24. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
  25. Menopause and Insomnia
  26. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  27. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  28. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Relaxation Techniques: What You Need To Know
  29. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke [United States]
  30. PLMD [Periodic Limb Movement Disorder]
  31. RLS Monitor
  32. Restless Legs Syndrome
  33. Restless Legs Syndrome
  34. Restless Legs Syndrome
  35. Restless Legs Syndrome
  36. Restless Legs Syndrome
  37. Restless Legs Syndrome: Diagnosis & Treatment
  38. Restless Legs Syndrome: Inheritance
  39. Rls-uk.org [Restless Legs Syndrome-UK [United Kingdom]
  40. Rls.org [Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation, United States]
  41. Ropinirole HCL – Uses, Side Effects and More
  42. Symptoms & Diagnosis
  43. Symptoms & Diagnosis: RLS Symptom Diary
  44. Symptoms & Diagnosis: What Is Augmentation? [+ Video: RLS and Augmentation]
  45. The Best Home Remedies for Restless Legs Syndrome
  46. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  47. Understanding RLS
  48. Understanding RLS
  49. What Is Restless Legs Syndrome and Why Does It Matter? – BBC REEL

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: 20 September 2023
  2. Restless Legs Syndrome: What Is Restless Legs Syndrome? National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/restless-legs-syndrome Accessed: 20 September 2023
  3. Restless Legs Syndrome: Description. Brain Foundation and Headache Australia https://brainfoundation.org.au/disorders/restless-legs-syndrome/ Accessed: 20 September 2023
  4. Restless Legs Syndrome: What Is Restless Legs Syndrome? Common Signs and Symptoms of RLS? National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/restless-legs-syndrome Accessed: 20 September 2023
  5. Restless Legs Syndrome Fact Sheet: What Is Restless Legs Syndrome? National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke https://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/patient-caregiver-education/fact-sheets/restless-legs-syndrome-fact-sheet Accessed: 20 September 2023
  6. Menopause and Insomnia: Causes – Restless Legs Syndrome. Publication Date: September 2021:2. Women’s Health Concern https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/menopause-and-insomnia/ Accessed: 20 September 2023
  7. RLS Monitor. RLS-UK https://www.rls-uk.org/rls-monitor Accessed: 20 September 2023
  8. Symptoms & Diagnosis: RLS Symptom Diary. National Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation https://www.rls.org/understanding-rls/symptoms-diagnosis Accessed: 20 September 2023
  9. Restless Legs Syndrome: Symptoms & Causes – Overview: When To See A Doctor. Mayo Clinic. 01 March 2022 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/restless-legs-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20377168 Accessed: 20 September 2023
Topic Last Updated: 20 September 2023 – Topic Last Reviewed: 20 September 2023

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