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Restless Legs Syndrome

An Overview With an Emphasis on Women

  • Chapter
Sleep Disorders in Women

Part of the book series: Current Clinical Neurology ((CCNEU))

Abstract

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sensorimotor disorder that affects sleep in up to 15% of the population. Individuals experience uncomfortable sensations of the extremities, which occur with inactivity and are relieved with activity. Because of the circadian rhythmicity of these symptoms, RLS symptoms can interfere with sleep onset. Symptom descriptors are varied; some commonly used terms are “creepy-crawly,” “uncomfortable,” “pins and needles,” and “internal itch.” Regardless of the descriptor, symptoms of RLS include a compelling urge to move, as they are usually improved with movement, and patients frequently resort to flexing, stretching, and vigorous movement. The end result is typically poor quality of sleep, leading to excessive daytime somnolence and feelings of fatigue. Althugh the disorder affects both genders, it is more common in women (in most populations studied) and is associated with several medical conditions including uremia, anemia, diabetes, pregnancy, and menopause.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Kentucky Medical Center and Samaritan Sleep Disorders Center, Lexington, KY

    David M. Hiestand MD,PhD & Barbara Phillips MD,MSPH,FCCP

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  1. David M. Hiestand MD,PhD
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  2. Barbara Phillips MD,MSPH,FCCP
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Vermont Regional Sleep Center Department of Neurology, University of Vermont College of Medicine/Fletcher Allen Health Care, Burlington, VT

    Hrayr P. Attarian MD

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© 2006 Humana Press Inc., Totowa, NJ

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Hiestand, D.M., Phillips, B. (2006). Restless Legs Syndrome. In: Attarian, H.P. (eds) Sleep Disorders in Women. Current Clinical Neurology. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-115-4_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-115-4_8

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-58829-592-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59745-115-4

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