Restless leg syndrome

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Introduction Signs and symptoms Causes

Screening and diagnosis Treatment Coping skills

Introduction

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a condition in which your legs feel extremely uncomfortable while you're sitting or lying down. It makes you feel like getting up and moving around. When you do so, the unpleasant feeling of restless leg syndrome temporarily goes away.

Restless leg syndrome affects both sexes, can begin at any age and may worsen as you get older. Restless leg syndrome can disrupt sleep — leading to daytime drowsiness — and make traveling difficult.

A number of simple self-care steps and lifestyle changes may help you. Medications also help many people with restless leg syndrome.

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Signs and symptoms