A Medical Guide to Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common sleep disorder, striking an estimated 5-11% of the population. It is also known as Ekbom’s syndrome or periodic limb movement disorder. Although it has a high prevalence, little is known about the exact etiology or cure of the disorder. Experts believe it to be the result of poor dopamine metabolism. Links to several conditions have been made over the last several years, leading to more accurate diagnosis, but treatment options are still mainly trial and error.


Initially, the sufferer will experience a creepy, crawly, possibly itching or burning sensation in the legs at night, causing them to move the legs in an effort to ease the sensation. This causes frequent wakefulness during the night, leading to daytime fatigue. Diagnosis is often difficult as there is no definitive test to accurately identify RLS. Rather, it is the symptomatology coupled with background information and predisposing factors that lead the examiner to confirm the diagnosis of RLS. In recent years, heredity has been found to be a strong determinant. Other predisposing factors include being of Northern European descent, low ferritin (iron) levels, chronic kidney failure, pregnancy, varicose veins, any type of radiculopathy, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, congestive heart failure, peripheral neuropathy (peripheral nerve damage), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer. The uncomfortable sensation can also be felt in the arms, chest, feet, and thighs.


Treatment options vary based on the suspected etiology and/or severity of the syndrome. Lifestyle changes may include reducing the intake of caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol while increasing the intake of magnesium, ferrous sulfate, folic acid, and l-theanine. Experimenting with different sleep times, leg massage, heating pads have been found to be effective for those with mild-to-moderate symptoms. For more severe symptoms, medications such as opiates, benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants, and dopamine-related drugs prove to be effective for the majority of sufferers but can become ineffectual with extended use.


Since this is such a common disease, extensive research has been performed with the hope that a breakthrough will occur at any moment. Knowledge has grown in leaps and bounds as the disorder has become more widespread. Researchers have gained tremendous insight into this condition over the last several years. Medical professionals are better able to recognize and treat this syndrome. Finally, there are websites and scientific foundations dedicated solely to the etiology, detection, and management of this curious disorder.