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Types of Sleeping Disorders |
Sleeping Problems (Home) > Types of Sleeping Disorders > Restless Legs Syndrome Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): Information, Symptoms and CausesRestless Legs Syndrome (RLS) (also called Wittmaack-Ekbom's Syndrome, which is not to be confused with Ekbom's Syndrome) is a neurological sleep disorder that involves an irresistible and uncontrollable urge to move in order to stop uncomfortable, painful, or odd sensations in the body, most commonly in the legs. Moving the affected body part eliminates the sensation, providing temporary relief. However, the sensations and urge to move may return immediately after ceasing movement, or at a later time. RLS can start at any age, including early childhood, and is a progressive disease (it gets worse with age) for a certain percentage of sufferers.RLS is a poorly understood disorder and often misdiagnosed disorder. There are two types of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Primary RLS has a slow onset that starts before the age of 40 or 45, but it can occur much earlier, and even develop is rare cases as early as the first year of life. The symptoms of Primary RLS may disappear for months or even years at a time, but they always return. Primary RLS is usually progressive and gets worse as the person ages. Secondary RLS often has a sudden onset and the symptoms may occur daily from the very start. Secondary RLS usually occurs after the age of 40, however it can occur earlier in life. Secondary RLS is often associated or linked with specific medical conditions and the use of certain drugs. Often RLS sufferers think they are the only ones to be afflicted by this peculiar condition, and are often relieved when they find out that they are not alone, and that many others also suffer from it. The severity and frequency of the disorder can vary tremendously. Many people only experience symptoms when they try to sleep, while other experience symptoms during the day. It is common for RLS sufferers to experience symptoms on long car rides or during long periods of inactivity, such as when watching television or a movie, attending a musical or theatrical performance, and so on.
SymptomsThe International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) has identified the following four criteria which must be present for an RLS diagnosis:
CausesNo one has discovered the exact cause(s) of Primary RLS at this time. However, there does seem to be a genetic link, with a high incidence of familial cases. Also, various research and brain autopsies have implicated both the dopaminergic system and iron deficiency in the substantia nigra as possible causes for RLS. Iron is involved in the formation of dopamine. In addition, both Primary RLS and Secondary RLS can be aggravated by injuries and almost any kind of surgery, especially back surgery and back injury. Secondary RLS is also associated or linked with specific medical conditions and the use of certain medications and drugs, as follows:
Ethnic factors (such as race and diet) may also play a role in the occurrence and causes of RLS. For example, approximately 10% of adults in North America and Europe experience RLS, while, according to the National Sleep Foundation, the condition has a lower prevalence in India, Japan and Singapore.
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