National Institutes of Health
- The primary NIH organization for research on Restless Legs is the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
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National Institutes of Health
Restless Legs
Also called: RLS
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) causes a powerful urge to move your legs. Your legs become uncomfortable when you are lying down or sitting. Some people describe it as a creeping, crawling, tingling or burning sensation. Moving makes your legs feel better, but not for long.
In most cases, there is no known cause for RLS. In other cases, RLS is caused by a disease or condition, such as anemia or pregnancy. Some medicines can also cause temporary RLS. Caffeine, tobacco and alcohol may make symptoms worse.
Lifestyle changes, such as regular sleep habits, relaxation techniques and moderate exercise during the day can help. If those don't work, medicines may reduce the symptoms of RLS.
NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
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Start Here
- Restless Legs Syndrome(American Academy of Family Physicians)
- Also available in Spanish
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Restless Legs Syndrome(National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)
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Restless Legs Syndrome(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)
- Short Summary
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Overviews
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Can't Curb the Urge to Move? Living with Restless Legs Syndrome(National Institutes of Health)
- Restless Leg Syndrome(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
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Restless Legs Syndrome(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)
- Also available in Spanish
- Restless Legs Syndrome: Frequently Asked Questions(Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation)
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Can't Curb the Urge to Move? Living with Restless Legs Syndrome
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Latest News
- Restless Legs, Heart Disease Link Still Murky(09/14/2012, Reuters Health)
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Diagnosis/Symptoms
- Diagnosis of Restless Legs Syndrome(We Move)
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Treatment
- How Is Restless Legs Syndrome Treated?(National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)
- Medications to Treat Restless Legs Syndrome(We Move)
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Disease Management
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Related Issues
- Periodic Limb Movement Disorder and Restless Legs Syndrome(Merck & Co., Inc.)
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Understanding Possible "Mimics" of Restless Legs Syndrome(Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation)
- PDF
- Using Malaria Medication for Leg Cramps Is Risky(Food and Drug Administration)
- What Causes Restless Legs Syndrome?(We Move)
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Clinical Trials
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Restless Legs Syndrome(National Institutes of Health)
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Restless Legs Syndrome
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Journal Articles
References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
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Dictionaries/Glossaries
- Glossary of Terms(We Move)
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Directories
- Find a Sleep Professional(National Sleep Foundation)
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Organizations
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Women
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Patient Handouts
- Restless leg syndrome
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