Restless legs syndrome (RLS)

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sensorimotor disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move the limbs accompanied by uncomfortable sensations, leading to sleep disturbances. RLS has gained new attention as its clinical relevance and relatively high prevalence in the general population are becoming appreciated in not only Europe and United State but Asia. Although sleep disturbance is not an essential feature of RLS, it is often prominent. Experimentally tailored polysomnographic studies have shown significantly decreased total sleep time and sleep efficacy, and increased nocturnal awakenings with periodic limb movements (PLMs). RLS is common among the elderly, and, in light of an increasingly aging population, is sure to gain further significance in the future.