Menstuff® has compiled the following information on Restless
Legs Syndrome (RLS).
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Could
You Have RLS? - Quiz 
Genetics also plays a key role. About half of those with restless legs syndrome have family members affected, too.
Many medical conditions are associated with RLS, including iron deficiency, diabetes, end-stage kidney disease, Parkinson's disease, and even pregnancy. These cases account for a minority of people with restless legs syndrome, however. Treating these conditions, if present, can improve restless legs syndrome symptoms.
Who Gets Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)?
No one knows the true number of people with restless legs syndrome. About 10% of the population is affected, and about 2% to 3% have moderate to severe symptoms that affect their quality of life. We do know that:
Does Restless Legs Syndrome Ever Go Away by Itself?
There are reported cases of spontaneous remissions of restless legs syndrome. However, according to Mark Buchfuhrer, MD, a sleep specialist and national expert in restless legs syndrome, "these are very rare." Instead, he says, "for most people, this is a progressive disease, with symptoms getting gradually worse over time."
For those with RLS symptoms caused by a medical condition, treatment of that condition can relieve or improve their restless legs syndrome.
Will Restless Legs Syndrome Develop Into Something More Serious?
Most people with restless legs syndrome have the "idiopathic" form -- meaning there's no known cause. For them, says Buchfuhrer, "there is no risk of progression to more serious conditions, such as Parkinson's disease."
Restless legs syndrome can also be caused by medical conditions or diseases (such as iron deficiency, diabetes, or kidney disease). If untreated, these medical conditions can cause serious health problems, as well as worsen RLS.
How Can I Get a Good Night's Sleep Despite Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)?
Experts agree that simply changing behavior can often help. For those with mild to moderate restless legs syndrome, these steps could reduce or prevent symptoms:
When Should I Consider Seeing a Doctor About Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)?
No one should live with significant discomfort without discussing their symptoms with a physician. Even if you feel your RLS symptoms are mild, they might be seriously affecting your sleep.
Only you can decide when your restless legs symptoms are affecting your life. If you have the symptoms of restless legs syndrome, consider if you're also:
If any of these are present -- or if you just want to feel better -- it's time to talk to your doctor.
Are There Treatments for Restless Legs Syndrome?
There are two FDA-approved medicines for restless legs syndrome: Mirapex and Requip. Both were proven effective in clinical trials in reducing the symptoms of RLS.
Physicians also use other medicines not specifically designed for treating restless legs syndrome. These include:
What Else Can I Do to Cope With Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)?
Depression and anxiety commonly result from restless legs syndrome. If you have moderate to severe RLS, it's important to find ways to cope with the stress it can cause. Here are a few ways to take control:
What Is the Connection Between Iron and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)?
Iron deficiency is one of the uncommon causes of restless legs syndrome. Replacing the low iron may improve or eliminate RLS in these people.
Even for people whose restless legs syndrome has no clear cause -- and who have normal iron levels -- iron is probably involved. Studies show a "brain iron deficiency" in many people with restless legs syndrome. Research is ongoing to discover how and why this happens, and whether therapy can be targeted to this problem.
People with normal iron levels and restless legs syndrome should not take iron pills. Excess iron can cause liver damage and other problems.
What Is the Relation Between Restless Legs Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder?
More than 80% of people with restless legs syndrome also have periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD). In PLMD, the arms or legs twitch or jerk involuntarily throughout the night. The movements disturb sleep and can contribute to chronic fatigue.
Many people have periodic limb movement disorder by itself, and
will never develop restless legs syndrome. However, periodic limb
movement disorder sometimes precedes the onset of restless legs
syndrome.
Sources: Mark Buchfuhrer, MD, attending staff
physician, Downey Regional Medical Center, Downey, Calif. Georgianna
Bell, executive director, Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation. James
Connor, PhD, professor and vice chairman, Department of Neurosurgery,
Penn State University, State College, Pa. Walt Kolakowski, Jackson,
Mich. National Institute of Neurological Disease and Stroke, National
Institutes of Health web site: "Restless Legs Syndrome Fact Sheet."
Ekbom, K. Acta Medica Scandinavica, 1945;158:4-122. Willis, T. London
Practice of Physick, publisher unknown, 1685. eMedicineHealth web
site: "Restless Legs Syndrome." Earley, C. New England Journal of
Medicine, 2003; vol 348: pp 2103-2109. Restless Legs Syndrome
Foundation web site message boards. Walters, A. Movement Disorders,
1995; vol 10: pp 634-638. Allen, R. Sleep Medicine, 2003; vol 4: pp
101-110. Ekbom, K. Neurology, 1960; vol 10: pp 868-874. Kavanagh, D.
American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 2004; vol 43: pp 763-771. Lopes,
L. Diabetes Care, 2005; vol 28: pp 2633-2636. Garcia-Borreguero, D.
Neurology, 2003; vol 61: pp S49-S55. Manconi, M. Neurology, 2004; vol
63: pp 1065-1069. Press release, GlaxoSmithKline. Medscape Medical
News: "FDA Approvals: Allegra Oral Solution, Noxafil, Mirapex."
Comella, C. Neurology, 2002; vol 58: pp S87-S92. www.webmd.com/solutions/restless-legs-syndrome-and-sleep/questions#1
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