About RLS

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a real medical condition. If you experience RLS, you’re not alone. Some 10% of people in the U.S. have some form of RLS, and it’s estimated that approximately 2%-3% of people have moderate-to-severe RLS (RLS symptoms that occur 3-4 times a week), which may benefit from medical treatment. (And you may benefit, as well. Read on…)

RLS is considered a life-long condition, can run in families and affects women and men of any age. Women, however, are two to three times more likely than men to have RLS, and symptoms tend to become worse overtime increasing in both severity and frequency.

RLS can occur as a primary or secondary condition. Primary RLS seems to happen sporadically and for unknown reasons. A family history is reported by many patients with primary RLS, suggesting a genetic link to the disease. However, secondary RLS occurs as a result of an underlying medical condition or due to certain medications. Examples include, kidney failure, low levels of iron, anemia and pregnancy.

You may not know what to call those creepy-crawly, tingly-tightening sensations in your legs. Although RLS symptoms typically occur in the legs, studies have shown those unusual leg sensations are neurological in nature. Which is why the feeling can be, well, so unnerving. RLS can make sleeping and traveling difficult and uncomfortable. People with RLS have difficulty lying down and sleeping because their legs just won’t let them, and a lack of Z’s can mean you’re tired, which may effect your ability to do normal activities the next day. RLS can also make you avoid doing things you once enjoyed, like taking long car or plane trips, or going to the movies. Sound familiar?

The good news is that treatment options, both medical and other options, exist that may help relieve your symptoms.

Now is the time. The time to talk to your doctor.