Restless Legs Syndrome: Coping with Your Sleepless Nights

Front Cover
"The Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation estimates that up to 8 percent of the population suffers with restless legs syndrome (RLS). The hallmark of this neurologic disorder is an irresistible urge to move, most commonly at night. It causes uncomfortable sensations often described as creeping, crawling, tugging, burning, or aching feelings in the calves, feet, thighs, and arms. These disruptive symptoms vary in severity and can result in difficulty staying or falling asleep, fatigue, and impaired daytime function resulting from loss of sleep.

Written by respected leaders in this field and sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology, Restless Legs Syndrome explains what we know about RLS, including its causes and manifestations, and what can be done to manage it. Topics covered include:

  • Causes, symptoms, and diagnosis liTreatments, including drug and non-pharmacologic therapy
  • Personal relationships and RLS
  • Resources
  • Lifestyle changes, dealing with daily activities, RLS triggers, and much more

This indispensable guide will help millions of people to understand this condition so that they can take control of their lives and make informed decisions. It also will be a useful resource for families, caregivers, and health care providers."

About the author (2006)

Mark J. Buchfuhrer, MD, is an attending staff physician at Downey Regional Medical Center, Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital and Long Beach Community Hospital. Clete A. Kushida, MD, PhD, is the Director of the Stanford University Center for Human Sleep Research and Associate Professor, Stanford University Medical Center.