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Facts box
Alternative name: Willis-Ekbom disease
Occurance in Western countries: 10% of the population
Suggested lifestyle changes for sufferers: Cut down on caffeine and alcohol
Picture the scenario: you lie down to rest after a busy day, only to be troubled by an uncomfortable sensation that seems to come from deep within your legs. This unpleasant creepy-crawly feeling gives you an overwhelming urge to move, and trying to relax just makes it worse. The only solution is to get up and walk around until the sensation disappears.
If this description rings any bells, you might suffer from restless legs syndrome (RLS). The condition can also affect the arms or torso, which is why some medics prefer to use the ailment's alternative name, Willis-Ekbom disease, to avoid confusion.
The condition troubles up to 10% of the population in Western countries, with women twice as likely to be affected as men. Sufferers describe a broad range of symptoms, ranging from minor irritation to recurrent restlessness that can severely disrupt sleep and trigger insomnia or depression.
The syndrome can 'kick' off for no apparent reason, often during early adulthood, and it usually becomes worse with age. Or, it can occur as a complication of another health condition, such as iron deficiency, kidney failure or Parkinson's disease. Pregnant women may also develop secondary RLS, although the symptoms usually disappear after the baby is born.
Although the exact cause is unknown, a key player is thought to be dopamine, a chemical in the brain that affects movement. Sufferers of RLS are often prescribed drugs that increase their dopamine levels. Another common way of treating the syndrome is to deal with any relevant underlying health issues.
Those with milder symptoms may be able to overcome RLS without medication. Suggested lifestyle changes include cutting down caffeine and alcohol, establishing a regular sleeping pattern, exercising during the day and avoiding medicines that are known to aggravate the condition.
Evidence suggests genes play a key role: a recent study published in PLoS Genetics identified six genetic variants that contribute to the condition. "This proves that the disease susceptibility is related to genetics," said lead author Juliane Winkelmann from the Institute of Human Genetics at the University of Technology in Munich, Germany. "This is supported by the fact that about half of all RLS patients report other family members being affected. However, there is a large variability in the disease within single families, and so other factors also contribute."
