What is Restless Leg Syndrome?
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a sleeping disorder characterized by uncomfortable feelings in your legs at night, and sometimes other extremities as well. RLS causes enough discomfort to interfere with sleep, leading to sleep deprivation, hence why it is considered a sleep disorder. It can be a potentially serious condition if the severity is bad enough, so if these symptoms are similar to what you've been experiencing, then please continue reading to learn the next steps. .
RLS is caused by your nervous system. The experience of RLS is similar across the affected population in that there is chronic discomfort in the legs at night. This discomfort can also occur in other extremities. It can be mild, uncomfortable, and even intolerable.
RLS is not always consistent, which can make it difficult to diagnose. You are probably familiar with the scenarios people tend to joke about: you have chronic pain and as soon as you go to the doctor the pain goes away; your car is making a funny noise and as soon as you take it to the mechanic the noise disappears. RLS is similar because it comes and goes over a period of time or could be chronic and experienced all the time.
Many people just tolerate the symptoms but this doesn’t have to be the case. This condition does have a name and can be addressed with the help of a doctor or sleep specialist.