Restlessness instead of sleep. Restless legs syndrome

Abstract

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sleep disorder that affects 3-4% of the population in its moderate to severe form and up to 10% in its milder form. The diagnosis is made based on clinical criteria, but a sleep laboratory study may be necessary when other sleep disorders have to be excluded. Mild and sporadic RLS can be treated by behavior measures; in more severe cases, drug therapy leads to a successful reduction of symptoms. © Springer-Verlag 2011.