Restless legs syndrome, or RLS, is quite common, affecting 12 million Americans. RLS is generally characterized by unpleasant sensations in the muscles of the lower legs following periods of inactivity. The condition gets its name from the agitated pacing and leg jiggling of sufferers. RLS was first described in 1672 by the English physician Sir Thomas Willis. He wrote about people who experienced "leapings and contractions" of the legs. According to Sir Willis, "these people are no more able to sleep than if they were in a place of the greatest torture." Although centuries have passed since the time of these observations, people who experience RLS often DO feel tortured. The unpleasant sensations of restless legs have been described as a creeping and crawling, or a deep-seated burning in the muscles. RLS is unique, in that people suffering from it can often ease their discomfort, but only by engaging in constant movement. When movement ceases, so does reliefThe symptoms of RLS range from mildly annoying to incredibly painful. Some sufferers experience only occasional bouts of discomfort, while in severe cases, patients can have symptoms daily. Despite this range of symptom severity, however, the patterns of RLS are fairly predictable. Generally, discomfort is worse at night, particularly during the onset of sleep. Other periods of inactivity that may trigger restless legs include traveling in a car or plane, sitting in a movie-theater, or being immobilized in a cast. Four out of five people with RLS find that their symptoms are exacerbated by another condition called periodic limb movements of sleep, or PLMS. PLMS is characterized by involuntarily flexing and extending the legs while sleeping, without having any knowledge of doing so. The combination of RLS and PLMS can severely disrupt sleep and prevent sufferers from getting the required seven to nine hours nightly. For this reason, RLS is often referred to as a sleep disorder. Sleep deprivation is a serious problem, leading to 56,000 car crashes each year in the United States alone! It can also result in severe reduction in a person's ability to concentrate and focus, leading to impaired performance at work or at school. In addition, inadequate restful sleep can intensify the symptoms of other diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. That's bad news, because these conditions often occur in conjunction with RLS! There is currently no cure for RLS. However, sufferers may find relief from lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation or a change in sleep patterns, and with time-honored home remedies, like hot baths. In addition, recently developed medication options, like Requip, may help severe sufferers find a reprieve. Some researchers theorize that restless legs syndrome affects ten percent of the population! If you feel that you may be among them, or have concerns about RLS, please make an appointment to speak with your doctor.