Restless Legs Syndrome
A Third Age Health & Wellness Feature
by our Health Editor

Restless Legs Syndrome (also known as RLS or Wittmaack-Ekbom’s Syndrome) is a neurological condition than can occur at any age, but worsens as we get older.

Sufferers feel an uncomfortable sensation in their legs when sitting or lying down, and only by getting up or waking up and moving their legs can the uncomfortable sensation be relieved. This condition can also makes it more difficult for sufferers to get to sleep in the first place.

More common when sufferers are awake than when they are asleep, the sensation is often described as a burning, prickly feeling which can often only be relieved by constantly moving their legs or getting up and walking around.

If this condition persists, medical advice should be sought. It may be possible to treat this condition with medication or a simple lifestyle change. Invariably though, Restless Legs Syndrome may simply be something we have to accept and live with in our Third Age.