What is RLS?
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease (WED), is a common sleep-related movement disorder. About 1 in 10 adults in the U.S. have problems from restless leg syndrome. It also can be seen in about 2% of children. Women are twice as likely as men to have RLS. People with RLS will have symptoms most often during times when they are less active, especially at bedtime. RLS most often causes an overwhelming urge to move your legs and sometimes other parts of your body.
Causes of RLS
Some medical conditions may trigger or be associated with RLS. These conditions include iron deficiency, kidney failure, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, varicose veins, and peripheral neuropathy.
Some medications, such as those to treat depression, other psychiatric conditions, nausea, colds/allergies, heart problems, and high blood pressure may also cause or worsen RLS.
Rx for RLS
The two most common types of medications prescribed are dopamine agonists (such as ropinirole and pramipexole) and alpha-2-delta ligands (such as gabapentin and pregabalin).
AASM RLS Practice Parameters 2012 Update.pdf
Resources:
Home | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (nih.gov)