Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)

For people who have Restless Leg Syndrome, (RLS) it can be a nightmare. Lack of sleep, pain throughout your legs, and a constant feeling of the creepy crawlies on your legs can seem like it is taking over and, even possibly, ruining your life. Knowing how to detect signs of Restless Leg Syndrome early can help you learn to deal with the neurological disorder with ease.

According to the National Institute of Health, RLS is a brain disorder that affects 10 % of people. The disorder can creep up on men, women, and even children. An estimated 5 million children are affected by RLS. For unknown reasons, more women have been shown to be diagnosed with RLS than men. More and more studies show that Restless Leg Syndrome is on the rise. It can strike at any age, but the majority of the time it does not show up until middle age or after.

RLS symptoms can range from mild to severe. It normally catches people off guard during the night hours. Symptoms can be a feeling of constantly needing to move your legs, a feeling of bugs crawling on your legs, insomnia, and more. Some RLS symptoms can be painful to the person diagnosed with them. Studies show that around 80% of people who are diagnosed with RLS also have a condition called PLMS. PLMS occurs when people sleep at night. PLMS patients can have unconscious twitches and movements while they sleep.

Living with RLS can sometimes difficult. The lack of sleep and pain associated with RlS can cause people to have trouble during the daylight hours. The disease can affect people's work life, home life, and social life.

If a person, you know is diagnosed with RLS it is important to have some support group. Try to find other people with RLS Meet once a week in groups to talk about the disorder and the affects it has on everyone's life.

Researchers are still working to find the cause and cure for RLS. Some studies believe it is due to low iron in the brain, while other studies think it is hereditary. Most researchers believe it is due to aging.