| Restless Legs Syndrome—A Closer Look |
| By Darien Simon, M.S. |
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Symptoms of the sleep disorder called restless legs syndrome (RLS) tend to get worse not only with age, but with inactivity or late in the day. Relief of symptoms may come from walking, flexing, stretching, rubbing, or jiggling the legs and feet.
Diagnosis of RLS rests on 4 factors. First, the urge to move to alleviate the unpleasant feeling (tingling, burning, crawling, etc.) in legs and feet. Second, the unpleasant sensation/urge to move increases with sitting or lying still. Third, the unpleasant sensation/urge to move is relieved by movement, and relief continues as long as the movement does. And, fourth, the unpleasant sensation/urge to move either occurs only late in the day or at night, or is worse then. Frequently associated with RLS is another disorder called Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD), which is an involuntary repetitive jerking of the limbs, most often the legs, but sometimes the arms as well. PLMD may occur 2 or more times per minute, most often during sleep. Between them, RLS and PLMD may be the main cause of about 30% of insomnia in people 60 years and older. Treatments for RLS include lifestyle changes like eliminating the use of tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine, especially for mild cases, to the change or elimination of prescription medications that can cause or exacerbate RLS. Prescription medications to treat RLS may be required in more severe cases. However, as with other sleep disorders, keeping good sleep habits can help. Dream Boost may also help relieve the restlessness and poor quality sleep characteristic of RLS, but as always, you should discuss the treatment of any sleep disorder with your health care provider. |
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