## What does it look like? Symptoms of the syndrome most often occur in the evening and at night, when a person is most relaxed. Therefore, RLS is often the cause of problems with sleep. __The symptoms include:__ - An inexplicable need to move your legs when you sit or lie down - Tingling or burning sensations in your muscles - Pulling pains when you try to hold your legs still - Spastic involuntary twitching of the leg muscles RLS pain usually occurs deep in the calf muscles and less frequently in the feet or posterior surface of the thigh. The symptoms are typically symmetrical, but there are cases where only one leg is affected. ## Where does it come from? In more than half of cases, the disease occurs for no apparent reason. The first symptoms appear in adolescence and are most often hereditary. Secondary restless legs syndrome has a number of preconditions and usually develops after the age of 50. 76 % of cases occur ===due to iron deficiency, kidney failure, lesions of the peripheral nerves, and, less often, complications from taking certain medications. It often first occurs in women during pregnancy and disappears without a trace after childbirth. > Restless legs syndrome was first mentioned in medical reports as far back as 1685. However, it wasn't until the mid-twentieth century that restless legs syndrome became an official diagnosis. ## What to do about it First of all, visit a neurologist and take some tests. Determination of iron, magnesium, folic acid, and glucose in the blood will help confirm the diagnosis. It is also likely that you will undergo a vascular ultrasound and electroneuromyography. Only after that will the doctor be able to choose a treatment plan. Medications will have an effect if you do not make some changes in your lifestyle. It makes sense to do this even before visiting the doctor. To prevent and treat restless legs syndrome, the following is recommended: - Give up or drastically reduce the consumption of coffee black tea, caffeinated soda, and, energy drinks - Give up smoking and alcohol - Watch your weight, and if your BMI is higher than normal, try to lose weight - Avoid sweets and other fast carbohydrates in the evening - Take a walk outside before going to bed - Reduce stress levels - Avoid standing in the same position for long periods of time - Sleep in a darkened and well-ventilated room - Periodically make foot baths with the addition of essential oils of peppermint and lavender, which help to relax muscles and relieve spasms In most cases, you can get rid of the symptoms of RLS completely if you see a specialist in a timely manner.