Do you feel a recurring crawling, tingling or pulling feeling in your legs?

You may be living with restless legs syndrome, a sleep disorder in which a person experiences unpleasant sensations in the legs.

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. People with RLS have an irresistible urge to move the affected limb when the sensations occur.

Some patients, however, have no definite sensation, except for the need to move. Sleep problems are common with RLS because of the difficulty it causes in getting to sleep.

Causes

The cause of RLS is still unknown. Some cases are believed to be inherited, some cases have been associated with nerve damage in the legs due to diabetes, kidney problems or alcoholism.

RLS can also be a side effect of a pinched nerve root in the lower back. RLS affects about 12 million individuals in the U.S.

Symptoms

Sensations occur when the person with RLS lies down or sits for prolonged periods of time, causing the need to move the legs for temporary relief of symptoms by:

• Stretching or bending
• Rubbing the legs
• Tossing or turning in bed
• Getting up and pacing

Patients report a definite worsening of the discomfort when lying down, especially when trying to fall asleep at night, or during other forms of inactivity, including just sitting.

Diagnosis

Your physician can diagnose RLS based on your signs and symptoms, a complete medical history, and a physical examination.

In addition, tests may be performed such as laboratory tests or a sleep study. Currently, there is not a definitive test to diagnose restless legs syndrome.

Treatment

Specific treatment for restless legs syndrome will be determined by your physician based on:

• Your age, overall health, and medical history
• Extent of the disease
• Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• Expectations for the course of the disease
• Your opinion or preference

Treatment options for restless legs syndrome may include:

• Implementing a good sleep habits program
• Eliminating activities that worsen symptoms
• Maintaining a well-balanced diet
• Approved medications for RLS

If you’re having problems sleeping more than three times a week for a month, see your health care provider and ask for a referral to Salem Health’s Sleep Center to be evaluated for a sleep disorder.

You will be seen by a sleep medicine specialist who will identify possible sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome.

Depending on your needs, sleep testing can be performed in your home or in the state-of-the-art sleep laboratory at Salem Hospital by experienced, licensed sleep technologists.

Identifying and treating the cause of your sleep disturbance can help get you back on the road to a good night’s sleep and improved health.