Sleep is one of the curious needs that has been assigned to many of the living creatures on earth. All mammals, including humans, need to sleep or they begin to suffer bizarre mental and physical problems. Simple rest will not do; it must be actual 'sleep' characterised by cycles of brain activity and inactivity and often accompanied by dreaming.

Given the unalterable need for sleep, it is amazing to catalogue the nearly endless variety of afflictions that prevent people from sleeping. One such affliction is called 'Restless Leg Syndrome' (RLS). RLS afflicts many millions of people, seems to increase in occurrence and severity with age, and will prevent a good night's sleep better than a punk rock band living in the downstairs apartment. RLS hides during the day and usually only surfaces when the victim lies down to attempt sleep. Then the unfortunate person is visited with crawling, uncomfortable sensations in the legs (and sometimes other body parts) that will effectively prevent the person from lying still or sleeping. They then end up wandering their abode, deathly tired, but unable to sleep.

Causes and Cures

RLS may be genetic or simply idiopathic (without a known cause). However, some things are known to make it worse, caffeine being the one most cited. Alcohol too will increase the length and severity of an attack for most sufferers.

People afflicted with RLS are easy prey for charlatans that promise relief, including physicians who prescribe everything from narcotics to herbal cures. However, there are some recognised treatments. Occasionally iron and vitamin B supplements can be successfully used, but, as with any food supplement, care should be taken, as increasing one mineral over the recommended level can affect the body's ability to deal with others. There are several medicines that can offer help, including calcium-channel blockers metoclopramide, most anti-nausea medications, some cold and allergy medications, major tranquillisers (including haloperidol and phenothiazines), narcotics, such as codeine, and the anti-seizure medication phenytoin. Also, sometimes effective are dopamine and agonists such as pergolide which are commonly used to treat Parkinson's Disease. However, many drug therapies can cause 'augmentation' (the development of RLS symptoms during the day, sometimes with increased intensity) and the gradual loss of effectiveness of a previously effective drug.

The Restless Leg Syndrome Foundation provides details of the various treatments available, as well as offering a great deal of practical advice and hope through testimonials from people who have found relief. As usual though, always contact your doctor before taking any medication.