Taking Steps Against Restless Legs Syndrome (NAPSA)—Despite years ofresearch, restless legs syndrome (RLS) is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, but a new educational initiative aims to changethat. What Is RLS? RLS is a serious condition that has affected people for many years, but it has not always been taken seriously, and is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Approximately 10 percent of American adults suffer from this neurological sensorimotor disorder, which causes uncomfortable and sometimes painful creeping, crawling and tugging sensations in thelegs. People with RLS often feel as though they have to move theirlegs, by walking or stretching, in order to make the uncomfortable feelings go away. These sensations tend to get worse with inactivity, sitting for a long time or even just relaxing, like when watching television or taking a long car ride. Because the symptoms usually intensify in the evening and at night, they often interfere with the ability to sleep. What’s Being Done The Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation (RLS Foundation) and National Sleep Foundation (NSF) have partnered on an educational initiative in an effort to increase awareness of RLS and help people better understand that they are not alone and that there are ways to successfully manage their symptoms. Theinitiative, which is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., fea- tures the stories of people living with RLS as well as a unique educational Website. One Woman’s Story Among those featured on the Web site is Lynne, whois living with RLS, and explained: “I would be up pacing at night while my % ed You may not be able to tell by looking at her, but this woman suffers from severe restless legs syndrome, or RLS, which causes aching sensationsin herlegs. family was sleeping. By the time my symptoms subsided and I could fall asleep, it was time for my family to get up. I felt like I lived alone, living on the sidelines of my ownlife.” To help people living with RLS like Lynne, the Web site features a search tool for finding health care professionals who specialize in RLS and related conditions, a symptom diary, and tips to help start a conversation about RLS with a health care professional. Everyone experiences RLS differ- ently, so it is important for a health care professional to diagnose and determine the best way to control RLS symptoms. Learn More For more information, visit WhatisRLS.org.
