Restless Legs Syndrome - known as RLS - is a movement disorder which tends to affect its victims when they are at rest. Sufferers feel abnormal sensations in their extremities, usually described as “crawling” or “burning” and give the victims an irresistible urge to move the affected extremity to relieve themselves. This can cause Insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness. In reality, it is very much debated what RLS really is. Doctors can not decide if the disorder is in the nerves of the limbs or in the brain itself. Unlike other sleep disorders, RLS is not a problem solely during sleep. It also occurs whenever the victim is at rest. In effect, it prevents the sufferer from resting by making him or her move. It is most commonly found in people aged over 50, but in many cases it can be traced back to the teen years.

    The symptoms vary but are instantly recognisable. The victim feels a sensation which has been described as crawling, burning, itching, pulling or tugging in their legs. This sensation produces an irresistible urge to move the extremity. This often results in fidgeting when at rest, especially in the toes, feet and legs. This fidgeting causes the victim to suffer from a lack of sleep and is one of the major causes of chronic insomnia. Additionally, about 80% of RLS sufferers are also diagnosed with periodic limb movement disorder.

    Restless legs syndrome is often attributed to an Iron Deficiency and so is common in pregnant women. However, this is not always the case. RLS can also be hereditary though sometimes there is absolutely no known cause, and thus RLS remains a mystery to sleep scientists. Sufferers of RLS often find that caffeine aggravates the symptoms.

    Unfortunately, there are no tests although a blood test can reveal an iron deficiency. In some cases sleep testing is necessary to diagnose and monitor the condition.

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