Sleep Unplugged with Dr. Chris Winter

#13 - Restless Legs Syndrome: You Gotta Move

September 19, 2022 Chris Winter
Sleep Unplugged with Dr. Chris Winter
#13 - Restless Legs Syndrome: You Gotta Move
Show Notes

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a unique and relatively common sleep disorder that quietly affects the sleep of 15% of individuals (by some generous accounts). Despite its initial description dating back to 1672, it still remains somewhat of a mystery--suffered miserably by many but often missed as a sleep diagnosis. In this episode, we will:

  • learn the unusual history of the multiple 'discoveries' of RLS
  • give an overview of the symptoms of RLS and the varied ways in which they are described and experienced
  • dissect the diagnostic criteria of RLS
  • differentiate primary RLS from secondary RLS
  • list the risk factors for RLS including low iron, pregnancy, and certain medications
  • discuss the treatments (both medicinal and non) of RLS including weighted blankets


Produced by: Maeve Winter

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Thanks for listening and sleep well!