Restless leg syndrome is found to be a neurological disorder that causes sleep disturbances as sudden sensation and movement in legs occur. It is typically felt in the calf, but some may experience symptoms in arms or other parts of the body too. Characterized by "an antsy feeling in the legs, jumpiness and leg-thrashing numbness," RLS is not specifically dangerous but it can cause serious discomfort to the patients and may lead to insomnia. It can also occur during the day and doesn't necessarily have to be at night. But in patients with RLS, the disorder is found to get more intense when lying down. While there is no medical cure for the problem, it can be relieved significantly by walking and moving around. In some patients, doctors may prescribe pramipexole to relieve the symptoms. The problem often occurs in patients with other conditions like Parkinson's disease, kidney problems or neurological disorders. However pregnant women may also experience this sensation. Iron deficiency and stress can also worsen this problem. While not everyone may agree that this is a neurological disorder, in some patients, neuropathy is found to be a cause. At best, RLS is considered a puzzling problem which leads to an "overwhelming need to move the leg to relieve the discomfort." There is no pain involved and hence patients can be cured with simple changes in diet. Vitamin supplements can help especially ones with folic acid and iron. It can also be treated with some herbs, leg massage or simple yoga exercises. Where it is not a neurological disorder, RLS is not a cause of concern. It can come and go and may not even be a cause of major sleep problems unless it becomes persistent. RLS is fairly common as one in twenty persons will experience some form of RLS.

References

David Hoffman, Healthy Bones & Joints: A Natural Approach to Treating Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Tendinitis, Myalgia & Bursitis. Storey Publishing, LLC; (July 15, 2000)

Phyllis a. Balch. Prescription for Herbal Healing: An Easy-to-Use a-Z Reference to Hundreds of Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies. Avery Trade (January 10, 2002)

Hoffman, p. 56

Balch, p. 390