Recent Blog Articles

Save the trees, prevent the sneeze

Drug recalls are common

Easy ways to shop for healthful, cost-conscious foods

Prostate cancer in transgender women

Why eat lower on the seafood chain?

Can long COVID affect the gut?

When replenishing fluids, does milk beat water?

Safe, joyful movement for people of all weights

Slowing down racing thoughts

Are women turning to cannabis for menopause symptom relief?
Diseases & Conditions
What to do about restless legs syndrome
Bedtime is far from relaxing for women with this common condition.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sensory-motor disorder that causes an irresistible urge to move the legs, often accompanied by an uncomfortable "creepy-crawly" sensation. RLS affects 3% to 5% of adults and is twice as common in women as in men. Symptoms typically flare at night, just as you're settling down in bed, but they may also arise when you're resting in a chair. RLS not only causes discomfort and distress, but can also wreak havoc on sleep, causing daytime sleepiness and mood changes. Fortunately, certain lifestyle strategies can help you manage milder forms of RLS, and several medications can provide relief for more serious symptoms.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
Free Healthbeat Signup
Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!