What is Restless Legs Syndrome?

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is an uncomfortable sensation in the legs which is relieved by moving or stimulating the legs. This sensation has been described as tingling, insects crawling, electric current, and water moving. The symptoms often occur at night and when at rest. 

Most likely situations for symptoms to occur:

• Riding in a car 
• Watching TV 
• Reading 
• Inactivity, sitting (in a movie theater for example) 
• Lying in bed trying to fall asleep 

How is Restless Legs Syndrome diagnosed?

A history and physical examination by your doctor is important. If you have symptoms such as daytime sleepiness, fatigue, or unrefreshing sleep this restlessness in your legs can be interrupting your sleep and this can be diagnosed with an overnight sleep study. The "jerking" of your legs in sleep is called Periodic Limb Movements of Sleep. 

How is it treated?

There are a variety of treatments that are effective. The non-pharmacological therapies are:

• Physical activity, improved nutrition, stress reduction, and hot baths.
• Avoidance of caffeine, alcohol, antihistamines, and cold/sinus preparations.
• Medications to avoid include neuroleptics, SSRI (Prozac, Zoloft) and tricyclic (elavil, vivactil) antidepressants. Bupropion (Wellbutrin), an antidepressant has shown a favorable response to symptoms.

Medications that are effective in treating restless legs syndrome include, dopamine stimulating medications. These medications are used in larger doses to treat Parkinson's Disease. They are Pramipexole (Mirapex), Ropinirole (Requip), Carbidopa/Levodopa (Sinemet). There are a variety of other medications that are effective. These include opioids, and certain anti-convulsants.