Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a neurological disorder consisting of disagreeable sensations in the legs and an urge to move them. The sensation typically occurs during rest or inactivity and is relieved by movement. RLS symptoms disrupt sleep, causing sleep deprivation and resulting in daytime functional impairment. It is one of the most common sleep disorders and causes significant distress to the individuals who are affected by it. Primary, or idiopathic, RLS often has a familial pattern, but RLS may be secondary to a number of conditions including iron deficiency, kidney failure, neuropathy, and pregnancy. Although effective pharmacological treatments exist, the disease is often undiagnosed for several years.