Neurological disorder with an irresistible urge to move the body to stop uncomfortable sensations, most commonly the legs.Encyclopedia Entry for Restless Legs Syndrome :Restless legs syndrome. No one knows exactly what causes RLS. It may be due to a problem with the way brain cells use dopamine. Dopamine is a brain chemical that helps with muscle movement. RLS may be linked to some other conditions. It may occur more often in people with: Chronic kidney disease Diabetes Iron, magnesium, or folic acid deficiency Parkinson disease Peripheral neuropathy Pregnancy Multiple sclerosis RLS may also occur in people who: Use certain medicines such as calcium channel blockers, lithium, or neuroleptics Are stopping sedative use Use caffeine RLS occurs most often in middle-aged and older adults. RLS is commonly passed down in families. This may be a factor when symptoms start at a younger age.RLS leads to unpleasant feelings in your lower legs. These feelings cause an unstoppable urge to move your legs. You may feel: Creeping and crawling Bubbling, pulling, or tugging Burning or searing Aching, throbbing, or pain Itching or gnawing These sensations: Are worse at night when you lie down Sometimes occur during the day Start or get worse when you lie down or sit for long periods of time May last for 1 hour or longer Sometimes also occur in the upper legs, feet, or arms Are relieved when you move or stretch as long as you keep moving Symptoms can make it difficult to sit during air or car travel, or through classes or meetings. Stress or emotional upset can make symptoms worse. Most people with RLS have rhythmic leg movements when they sleep. This condition is called periodic limb movement disorder. All of these symptoms make it hard to sleep. Lack of sleep can lead to: Daytime sleepiness Anxiety or depression Confusion Difficulty thinking clearly.There is no specific test for RLS. Your health care provider will take your medical history and do a physical exam. You may have blood tests and other exams to rule out conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Usually, your provider will determine whether you have RLS based on your symptoms.RLS can't be cured. However, treatment can help relieve symptoms. Certain lifestyle changes may help you cope with the condition and ease symptoms. Get enough sleep. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Make sure your bed and bedroom are comfortable. Try using hot or cold packs on your legs. Help your muscles relax with gentle stretches, massage, and warm baths. Take time out of your day to just relax. Try yoga, meditation, or other ways to ease tension. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. They may make symptoms worse. Your provider may prescribe medicines to treat RLS. Some medicines help control symptoms: Pramipexole (Mirapex) Ropinirole (Requip) Low doses of narcotics Other medicines can help you sleep: Sinemet (combination carbidopa-levodopa), an anti-Parkinson medicine Gabapentin and pregabalin Clonazepam or other tranquilizers Medicines to help you sleep may cause daytime sleepiness. Treating conditions with similar symptoms such as peripheral neuropathy or iron deficiency can also help relieve symptoms.RLS is not dangerous. However, it can be uncomfortable, making it hard to sleep and affecting your quality of life.You may not be able to sleep well (insomnia).Call for an appointment with your provider if: You have symptoms of RLS Your sleep is disrupted Symptoms get worse.There is no way to prevent RLS.Willis-Ekbom disease; Nocturnal myoclonus; RLS; Akathisia.Nervous system Nervous system.Allen RP, Montplaisir J, Walters WS, Ferini-Strambi L, Hogl B. Restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movements during sleep.