Signs and symptoms

People frequently describe the unpleasant sensations of restless legs syndrome as "deep-seated, creeping, crawling, jittery, tingling, burning or aching" feelings in their calves, thighs, feet or arms.

Sometimes the sensations seem to defy description. They usually don't describe the condition as a muscle cramp or numbness.

General characteristics of the signs and symptoms include:

• Origination during inactivity.

The sensation usually begins while you're lying down or sitting for an extended period of time, such as in a car, airplane or Movie Theater.

• Relief by movement.

The sensation of RLS lessens if you get up and move. People fight the sensation of restless legs in a number of ways — by stretching, jiggling their legs, pacing the floor, exercising or walking. This insuperable desire to move is what gives restless legs syndrome its name.

• Worsening of symptoms in the evening.
Symptoms usually are less bothersome during the day and are felt primarily at night.

• Nighttime leg twitching.

RLS is related to periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS).
- Doctors used to call this condition myoclonus, but now they refer to it as PLMS.

With PLMS you unwittingly flex and extend your legs while sleeping — without being aware you're doing it — often resulting in a restless night's sleep for your bed partner.

Hundreds of these kicking or twitching movements may occur throughout the night. But, if you have severe RLS, these involuntary kicking movements may also occur while you're awake. In older adults PLMS is common, even without RLS, and doesn't always disrupt sleep.

Consider, more than four out of five people with RLS also experience PLMS.
Mainly all people with RLS find it difficult to get to sleep or stay asleep.

Make sure insomnia may lead to excessive daytime drowsiness, but RLS may prevent you from enjoying a daytime nap.