Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Restless legs syndrome is a common cause of sleep problems; the condition is often associated with periodic limb movement during sleep. The syndrome is probably under-diagnosed and under-treated.
MATERIAL AND METHODS:
The article is based on literature identified through a search in PubMed, a review of international recommendations and our own clinical experience.
RESULTS:
The restless leg syndrome is common, with a prevalence of about 10 %. Many of these patients are affected by sleep disturbances and have periodic limb movement during sleep (PLMS). Restless legs and the associated sleep disturbances can be effectively treated with dopaminagonists. Because of the augmentation risk, the lowest necessary dose should be maintained. PLMS also occurs in other sleep disorders. Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) is defined as PLMS combined with sleep disturbances and/or sleepiness during daytime without a known cause. The clinical relevance of PLMD for sleep disturbances is not clear.
INTERPRETATION:
The restless legs syndrome is a common cause of sleep disturbance; good treatment options are available.