Unpleasant or uncomfortable feelings or sensations in the legs often described as creeping, crawling, tingling, pulling, or painful, and often producing an irresistible urge to move the legs. These feelings usually occur deep inside the leg, between the knee and ankle. In rare cases, they can also occur in the feet, thighs, arms, and hands. Most of these feelings involve both sides of the body, although they can occur on just one side of the body. These symptoms usually occur later in the day, the evening, and during the night.
Leg discomfort that occurs and gets worse when lying down or sitting for long periods of time. Long car trips, sitting in the movies, long-distance flights, and having a cast on can trigger RLS.
The need for constant movement of the legs (or other affected body parts) to lessen discomfort. People may pace the floor, move their legs when sitting, and toss and turn in bed.
Having uncontrollable leg and sometimes arm movements when sleeping.
Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
Sleepiness or tiredness during the day.
People who have both RLS and an associated condition (such as diabetes, neuropathy, or Parkinson's disease) tend to develop more severe symptoms rapidly. (Click RLS Symptoms for more information.)
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