RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME
RLS (Restless Legs Syndrome) is a disruptive neurological disorder that affects roughly 10% of the population. RLS is characterized by uncomfortable and sometimes painful sensations in the legs. Usually, RLS is worse at night or during the evening hours, leading to difficulty sleeping and a diminished quality of life.
Symptoms and Risks
RLS can begin at any age and generally gets worse with age. In all cases, the symptoms are relieved with movement of the affected limbs; conversely, the symptoms are aggravated by periods of prolonged immobilization, making sitting in an airplane, a movie theater, or in a car for an extended period of time very uncomfortable. Lack of sleep can negatively impact daytime productivity, social interactions, and the affected person’s mood and well-being.
Treatment Options
Fortunately, there are successful treatments for RLS. For those suffering from milder forms of RLS, health care providers often recommend lifestyle changes to reduce symptoms. For moderate to severe cases of RLS, medication is the most effective treatment option to help those affected by RLS get the rest they need.