Restless Legs Syndrome

From BozNet

RLS - Restless Legs Syndrome - is a neurological condition where the sufferer feels an irresistible urge to move the legs, usually resulting in a jerk. This unfortunately leads people to believe that it is merely "muscle spasms" in the legs, which has led to years of cynicism and ignorance that RLS actually exists as a condition. Thankfully, more doctors are starting to empathise and try to aid sufferers.

It is not merely a "muscle spasm"; the sufferer has a feeling in the legs that can be described using words like creeping, itching, pulling, creepy-crawly, tugging and gnawing. It usually happens in the evening and/or in a state of rest, and can sometimes be temporarily relieved by performing an activity (or even just "rocking the baby") or (in some cases), ingesting quinine (Indian Tonic Water, for instance).

RLS causes sleep deprivation, either by acting up before being able to fall asleep, or as PLMS (Periodic Limb Movements of Sleep) distrupting normal REM stages of sleep.

More information can be found at the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation, and feel free to leave comments and questions on the "Discussion" page here.