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Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sleep disorder in which a person experiences unpleasant sensations in the legs described as creeping, crawling, tingling, pulling, or painful. These sensations usually occur in the calf area but may be felt anywhere from the thigh to the ankle. One or both legs may be affected; for some people, the sensations are also felt in the arms. These sensations occur when the person with RLS lies down or sits for prolonged periods of time, such as at a desk, riding in a car, or watching a movie. People with RLS describe an irresistible urge to move the legs when the sensations occur. Usually, moving the legs, walking, rubbing or massaging the legs, or doing knee bends can bring relief, at least briefly. RLS symptoms worsen during periods of relaxation and decreased activity.
Closely related is Periodic limb Movement Disorder (PLMD), a condition characterized by repetitive limb movements that occur during sleep. These episodes of limb movement disrupt sleep, causing insomnia or daytime sleepiness. Periodic limb movement symptoms are only considered a disorder (PLMD) when insomnia or daytime sleepiness cannot be explained by any other problem, such as RLS.
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