National Institutes of Health
- The primary NIH organization for research on Restless Legs is the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
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National Institutes of Health
Restless Legs
Also called: RLS
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) causes a powerful urge to move your legs. Your legs become uncomfortable when you are lying down or sitting. Some people describe it as a creeping, crawling, tingling, or burning sensation. Moving makes your legs feel better, but not for long. RLS can make it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep.
In most cases, there is no known cause for RLS. In other cases, RLS is caused by a disease or condition, such as anemia or pregnancy. Some medicines can also cause temporary RLS. Caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol may make symptoms worse.
Lifestyle changes, such as regular sleep habits, relaxation techniques, and moderate exercise during the day can help. If those don't work, medicines may reduce the symptoms of RLS.
Most people with RLS also have a condition called periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD). PLMD is a condition in which a person's legs twitch or jerk uncontrollably, usually during sleep. PLMD and RLS can also affect the arms.
NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
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Start Here
- Restless Legs Syndrome(American Academy of Family Physicians)
- Also available in Spanish
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Restless Legs Syndrome(National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)
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Restless Legs Syndrome(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)
- Short Summary
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Overviews
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Can't Curb the Urge to Move? Living with Restless Legs Syndrome(National Institutes of Health)
- Restless Leg Syndrome(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
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Restless Legs Syndrome(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)
- Also available in Spanish
- Restless Legs Syndrome: Frequently Asked Questions(Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation)
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Can't Curb the Urge to Move? Living with Restless Legs Syndrome
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Latest News
- Drugs May Help Relieve Restless Legs Syndrome(03/04/2013, HealthDay)
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Diagnosis/Symptoms
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Restless Legs Syndrome -- Causes and Symptoms(American Academy of Sleep Medicine)
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Restless Legs Syndrome -- Self-Tests and Diagnosis(American Academy of Sleep Medicine)
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Treatment
- How Is Restless Legs Syndrome Treated?(National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)
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Related Issues
- Periodic Limb Movement Disorder and Restless Legs Syndrome(Merck & Co., Inc.)
- Understanding Possible "Mimics" of Restless Legs Syndrome(Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation) - PDF
- Using Malaria Medication for Leg Cramps Is Risky(Food and Drug Administration)
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Clinical Trials
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Restless Legs Syndrome(National Institutes of Health)
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Restless Legs Syndrome
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Journal Articles
References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
- Article: The prevalence and impact of restless legs syndrome on patients...
- Article: Vascular risk factors, cardiovascular disease, and restless legs syndrome in...
- Article: Vascular risk factors, cardiovascular disease, and restless legs syndrome in...
- Restless Legs -- see more articles
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Directories
- Find a Sleep Center Near You(American Academy of Sleep Medicine)
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Organizations
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Patient Handouts
- Restless leg syndrome
- Also available in Spanish
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