Restless legs syndrome

For a lay person:

Restless legs syndrome is a condition that causes an uncomfortable urge to move the legs, usually with creeping, tingling or aching feelings. It comes on during rest, especially in the evening and at night, and is eased by moving, so it often disturbs sleep. It can affect anyone but is more common in middle and older age and in pregnancy.

For a trained medical person:

A sensorimotor disorder linked to central dopaminergic dysfunction and brain iron deficiency; it may be primary (often familial) or secondary to iron deficiency, pregnancy, chronic kidney disease, neuropathy or drugs such as antihistamines and antidepressants. Diagnosis is clinical against the IRLSSG criteria, with ferritin and iron studies checked in every patient. Management starts with treating causes and iron repletion when ferritin is low, sleep hygiene and exercise, then alpha-2-delta ligands; dopamine agonists are used with caution because of augmentation.

In Chinese medicine:

Liu and Tseng's textbook gives Chinese herbal formulas for this condition without a full pattern differentiation. Treatment still follows the pattern a patient presents with, not the Western diagnosis alone.

When to get help: See a doctor if symptoms disturb your sleep regularly, if they started with a new medicine, or if you also have weakness or numbness in the legs. Do not stop prescribed medication suddenly without medical advice.