A major feature of restless legs syndrome is that symptoms worsen when an afflicted person is relaxing in the evening. As a result, sufferers may have trouble falling asleep, and will often wake up during the night due to discomfort in the legs.

Sleep-related symptoms as reported by patients

Since sufferers cannot sleep properly at night, fatigue builds up. As a result, they feel sleepy in the daytime and/or lose concentration.

Daytime symptoms as reported by patients

In a study conducted outside of Japan, 85% of afflicted people responded that RLS had a negative effect on their daytime activities. It is clear that RLS reduces the quality of life of sufferers.

Impact of RLS on daytime activities