Annoyed by the creepy, crawly feeling in your legs while trying to fall asleep? These tingly feelings may be due to a relatively common sensory disorder called restless leg syndrome (RLS). It can be triggered by other conditions, such as iron deficiency, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, or pregnancy and tends to run in families.

The key RLS complaints are explained by the acronym URGE:

Urge—to move the legs
Rest—symptoms are worse at rest
Go—symptoms improve during movement
Evening—symptoms are worse in the evening

"RLS may be related to insufficient dopamine in the central nervous system, and replacing what may be missing can help," says Mark Dyken, MD, director of the UI Sleep Disorders Clinic. "The new drugs are targeted for specific brain receptors and in many cases seem to improve patient complaints."

In some cases, lifestyle changes can help relieve the uncomfortable symptoms.

• Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine
• Avoid antidepressants, antipsychotic medicines, and antihistamines
• Keep your bedroom quiet, cool, and free of unnecessary light
• Get moderate physical activity, but don’t overdo it
• Take a hot bath or apply a heat pad or cold pack

For more information about restless leg syndrome, contact the Sleep Disorders Clinic at 319-356-2571.