What is RLS? (Restless Legs Syndrome)

Let’s get straight to the point. No fluff. No hard to understand definitions. What is RLS (Restless Legs Syndrome) and how does it effect my life?

Uncontrollable urge to move my legs

The simple definition is: Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) - also named Willis-Ekbom disease - is a condition that causes a strong urge to move your legs, especially when you’re sitting still or trying to sleep. Feelings in your legs like tingling, crawling, or buzzing.

These feelings can be very uncomfortable and only feel better when you move your legs. Moving the legs may help for a short time, but the discomfort most times returns quickly. This can make it very hard to fall asleep or stay asleep, leading to fatigue and frustration during the day. While it can be hard to describe, what you're feeling is real—and there are ways to manage it.

How other's are describing it (yes they're others)

  • "They feel like they need to be squeezed and stretched"

  • "Sometimes i feel like i want to cut my legs off just so i could get some sleep. No one in my family understands what i go through everyday. "

  • "Legs are always jumping, uncomfortable, they feel cold and achy"

How do I know I have it?

Do any of these sound familiar?

• I feel a strong, almost uncontrollable urge to move my legs—especially in the evening or when I’m trying to relax.

• I feel crawling, tingling, or buzzing deep inside my legs that won’t go away unless I move.

• I feel my legs get worse the longer I sit still—whether I’m watching TV, lying in bed, or stuck on a plane or car ride.

• I feel some relief when I walk or stretch, but the sensation always comes right back.

• I feel my legs twitch or jerk at night, sometimes waking me up or making it hard to fall asleep.

• I feel exhausted during the day because I can’t get restful sleep at night.



NOTE: This is not medical advice and is for informational purposes only. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

"Life with restless legs is miserable. It absolutely controls every aspect of your life from your waking moment in the morning to when you try to go to sleep at night. It’s uncontrollable. We couldn’t go to church. I couldn’t be in the car for any length of time. I’d say “stop the car I’ve got to get out and stretch my legs.” Evelyn B.