Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a commonly experienced neurological disorder. It is an uncomfortable feeling deep in the legs that can happen when you are sitting or lying down. The symptoms occur most often during the evening and night. The unpleasant sensations in one, or usually both, legs can range from mild to severe. RLS disrupts sleep and causes daytime fatigue.

In addition to bedtime, a person may experience RLS when they have to sit still for long periods of time, such as during a plane flight or while sitting in a movie theater. In order to relieve the discomfort with RLS, the person may pace, or walk, or exhibit jerking leg motions.

Adults and children, men and women, can experience RLS. If you experience restless legs syndrome, you are not alone: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that 12 million Americans suffer from RLS. It results in difficulty falling and then staying asleep, resulting in drowsiness during the waking hours. If left untreated, RLS can result in: 

• Daytime drowsiness 
• Memory loss 
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Tiredness or fatigue

If you cannot get a full night of sleep and have discomfort deep in the legs, calves or feet that are helped by moving about, talk to your doctor about the possibility of RLS.

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) can be divided into two categories based upon the underlying cause. 

• Primary RLS: does not have an underlying disease as a cause. This type of RLS may be the result of a family history. Primary RLS can start from a young age and may progress over time, in a process known as augmentation. 
• Secondary RLS: Usually starts among adult patients and may be the results of another underlying condition, such as: 
• Iron deficiency (anemia) 
• Kidney failure 
• Possible ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) 
• Pregnancy 
• Other medications 
• Thyroid abnormalities 
• Diabetes 
• Parkinson’s disease 
• Folate deficiency 
• Rheumatoid arthritis 
• Nerve damage (neuropathy)

If the RLS is the caused by pregnancy, the doctor may emphasize behavioral sleep hygiene [link] techniques. The RLS symptoms usually disappear once the pregnancy is complete.

There is some evidence that those with a family history of Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) may be more prone to primary RLS. Other underlying conditions, such as iron deficiency or pregnancy, may trigger secondary RLS.

Your doctor will conduct a full medical history and physical examination. During the medical history, the doctor may ask you about: 

• Any sleep-related problems 
• History of symptoms or how long they have lasted 
• Sleep habits 
• Family history of sleeping disorders 
• Drowsiness or tiredness during waking hours 
• Any lifestyle changes 
• A full list of medications and supplements that you are currently taking

A full physical will also help the doctor rule out any other underlying conditions, such as a lack of vitamins or even underlying disease, such as diabetes. Depending upon the severity of the conditions, your doctor may also recommend an overnight sleep study at the sleep clinic.

Since Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), particularly primary RLS, may be a chronic, progressive disease as the person ages. For mild cases, your doctor may recommend self-treatment, while choosing medical treatment options for more severe cases.

For mild cases of Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), your doctor may only recommend conservative, self-care options. Self-care options include: 

• Leg message 
• Hot bath 
• Walking or stretching 
• Heating pads or ice packs 
• Practicing good sleep hygiene

If you know that you will be seated for a good length of time, such as on a plane flight, you might request an aisle seat so that you have the option of moving around as needed. Also, you may choose to travel during daytime hours when symptoms are the least bothersome.

A support group in your area can put you in touch with other people also dealing with RLS.

If you cannot get a full night of sleep due to RLS and experience daytime fatigue, talk to your doctor about additional therapeutic options.