People experience restless legs in different ways, but all describe a very unpleasant "creepy, crawly" sensation that occurs in the legs when they are sitting or lying still, especially at bedtime. It is also different from the feeling of a limb having "fallen asleep" when the blood supply is cut off and from the "pins and needles" or burning sensation sometimes experienced by diabetics. The pain and unpleasant feelings of RLS appear most often in the calves and can be temporarily relieved by stretching and moving the legs.

If you suffer from RLS, you will find that it occurs primarily when you are awake, but that it can also affect your ability to sleep. It is estimated that RLS affects as many as 12 million Americans, though some researchers estimate a higher occurrence because RLS is thought to be under-diagnosed.

How is RLS diagnosed?
RLS has such unique symptoms that a diagnosis can often be made on the basis of a patient’s descriptions of their symptoms. A medical history and physical examination need to be obtained in order to exclude other problems.

How is RLS treated?

Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD)

People with periodic limb movements are often not aware of these movements, although they may occasionally notice the involuntary movements of PLMD while they are awake. Most people with RLS have periodic limb movements, but patients with PLMD often do not necessarily have RLS. Periodic Limb Movement Disorder may cause difficulty staying asleep at night, thus causing daytime sleepiness. They are not the same as the occasional jerks that can occur just as a person falls asleep.

How do I know if I may have Periodic Limb Movement Disorder?
Take our Sleep Quiz.

How is PLMD diagnosed?
This disorder may require an overnight sleep study for diagnosis. .

How is PLMD treated?

Follow rules of Good Sleep Hygiene.
Prescription medication may be effective.