Restless legs syndrome is where you have an overwhelming urge to move your legs constantly. You may also have a crawling/ creeping feeling. Patients will restless leg syndrome (RLS) may also have periodical limb movement in sleep- involving jerking limbs. These patients may be taking anti-depressants to help with sleep.
RLS can very from mild to severe- affecting daily activities. This condition can run in families and may also have something to do with Dopamine- which makes sense since it is involved in controlling muscle movement. Secondary RLS is when there is an underlying condition such as kidney failure or iron deficiency anaemia.
Interestingly, according to the NHS, 1 in 5 pregnant women will experience symptoms in the last 3 months of their pregnancy, which resolves after childbirth.
RLS usually disappears once the underlying cause is addressed.
For more information: https://www.rls-uk.org
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