Note from the Editor:
This article was kindly written for the SDC by member @Doctor Alan.

What is ‘Restless Leg Syndrome’?
Restless Leg Syndrome, or RLS, apparently affects 5 in every 100 people and is an unusual condition of the nervous system characterised by the compelling need to move one’s legs. It is usually worse in the evening and can be a problem when trying to sleep.

This strange sensation in the calves has been described as a type of cramp, soreness or a creeping, crawling feeling. Some liken the sensation to shooting darts of electricity or even squirming insects inside the legs. The same symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, including diabetes, iron deficiency, anaemia, alcoholism and some forms of arthritis. It is also relatively common in pregnancy.



From my own experience, it is a bit like a cramp because of its relatively short duration, but it lacks the painful discomfort of a cramp. The ‘compelling need’ is to ‘tense up’ the muscles in one or other of my legs – never at the same time. The feeling can last for up to half an hour, but the time may be a lot shorter if I manage to occupy my mind with something else. It certainly may not be painful, but it is, nevertheless, really annoying. It generally occurs in the evening while I’m watching TV. (Probably an indication of not-so-enthralling TV programs!). I don’t notice it at all during the day, probably because my mind is occupied with other things. At night, it can often prevent me from sleeping after going to bed or prevent me from continuing to sleep after waking during the night. Getting up and reading a book for half an hour can sometimes ‘fix’ it – your mind is occupied, you see.

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