Restless Legs Syndrome May Underlie Nighttime Sleep Disturbances

Many people attribute difficulty falling asleep or frequent awakenings to insomnia, but when leg sensations are uncomfortable and an irresistible urge to move the legs occurs, Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) should be considered. RLS is a neurological disorder characterized by strong urges to move the legs accompanied by unpleasant sensations. Symptoms intensify during periods of rest such as sitting or lying down, are most prominent in the evening or night, and are temporarily relieved by walking or moving the legs. Patients often describe the sensation as a crawling feeling, similar to insects on the skin.