Who Gets Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)?
No one knows the true number of people with restless legs syndrome. About 10% of the population is affected, and about 2% to 3% have moderate to severe symptoms that affect their quality of life. We do know that: Women are affected slightly more often than men Most people with severe disease are middle-aged or older Those with affected family members usually get restless legs syndrome at a younger age, but it progresses more slowly Does Restless Legs Syndrome Ever Go Away by Itself? There are reported cases of spontaneous remissions of restless legs syndrome. However, according to Mark Buchfuhrer, MD, a sleep specialist and national expert in restless legs syndrome, “these are very rare.” Instead, he says, “for most people, this is a progressive disease, with symptoms getting gradually worse over time.” For those with RLS symptoms caused by a medical condition, treatment of that condition can relieve or improve their restless legs syndrome. Will Restless Legs Syndrome Develop Into Some
