restless legs syndrome

noun

: a nervous disorder characterized by aching, crawling, or creeping sensations of the legs that occur especially at night usually when lying down (as before sleep) and cause a compelling urge to move the legs

called also restless legs, restless leg syndrome

Examples of restless legs syndrome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition to physical symptoms such as lightheadedness and shortness of breath, women with iron deficiency can struggle with anxiety, depression, and restless leg syndrome, Weyand said. —Lourdes Medrano, NPR, 15 Sep. 2024

Studies have proven that restless leg syndrome, an uncontrollable urge to move your legs while sleeping, can cause insomnia in anyone because of the constant disruption to sleep.2 Dr. Mike says new parents are susceptible to RLS because of being overtired, which can make insomnia worse. —Hedy Phillips, Parents, 29 July 2024

What Causes Postpartum Insomnia? Postpartum insomnia can happen due to hormonal changes, stress, or restless leg syndrome. —Hedy Phillips, Parents, 29 July 2024

Moreover, sleep problems during menopause are often caused by a combination of factors, including restless leg syndrome, arthritis pain and sleep apnea. —Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 12 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

restless legs syndrome

noun

: a neurological disorder of uncertain pathophysiology that is characterized by aching, burning, crawling, or creeping sensations of the legs that occur especially at night usually when lying down (as before sleep) and cause a compelling urge to move the legs and that is often accompanied by difficulty in falling or staying asleep and by involuntary twitching of the legs during sleep

called also restless legs