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Australian Prescriber Vol. 31 No. 4 2008

Restless legs syndrome

Restless legs syndrome makes people's legs twitch uncontrollably, particularly when they are resting. It tends to be worse at night. As well as restlessness the person may feel unpleasant sensations, such as itching or burning. Getting up and moving around gives relief.

People with restless legs syndrome can have difficulty sleeping. Getting a better sleep can help the symptoms. There are several simple things people can do to improve their sleep.

If improving the sleep pattern does not help, a medicine may be tried. Several medicines have been used to treat restless legs syndrome. As some of them have serious side effects they are only used when the patient's symptoms are severe.