This mother and daughter were found with the same RLS symptoms.

Up to 10 percent of Americans suffer from an often misunderstood disorder called Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Some experts say RLS is under diagnosed and sometimes misdiagnosed because of the disorder's nature.

Some people with RLS won't report that they have it because they don't think they will be taken seriously; however, RLS is a serious condition. Left untreated, the disorder can cause exhaustion that interferes with a person's job, relationships and daily life.

RLS is characterized by a strong urge to move your legs and uncomfortable sensations while resting. Some words used to describe the sensations have been creeping, itching, pulling, creepy-crawly, tugging and gnawing.

The longer a person rests, the more likely it is that symptoms will occur. RLS symptoms are worse in the evening, especially when a person is lying down. Ultimately, the symptoms of this disorder can cause lack of sleep.

More than 80 percent of people with RLS also suffer from a condition known as periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), which is characterized by involuntary leg twitching or jerking movements during sleep that usually occur every 10 to 60 seconds. These movements can also interrupt sleep.

	If RLS is left untreated it can affect the individual's lifestyle.

There are two types of RLS: primary and secondary. Primary RLS is the main form of the disease, and usually the cause is unknown; however, family history plays a part. Recent studies have uncovered information about the role of genes in the disorder. Secondary RLS is caused by unrelated conditions like pregnancy, anemia or iron deficiency.

In 2005, the FDA approved the first drug to treat RLS -- ropinirole (Requip). The FDA then approved pramipexole (Mirapex) in 2006.

Clinical trials have also found several drugs used to treat other conditions helpful in treating RLS, including dopaminergic agents, sleeping aids, anticonvulsants and pain relievers.

Dopaminergic agents stimulate the body's dopamine system and suppress RLS symptoms. They include drugs like rotigotine skin patches. Benzodiazepines (Valium and Klonopin) may help patients with mild symptoms have more restful sleep but do not fully alleviate symptoms.

For patients with more severe symptoms, opioids like codeine, propoxyphene or oxycodone may relieve pain and induce relaxation, but the side effects, including dizziness, nausea, vomiting and risk of addiction, are something to consider.

Aside from medication, some lifestyle changes can help RLS sufferers. Decreased use of caffeine, alcohol and tobacco may provide relief.

Some individuals benefit from iron, folate and magnesium supplements to correct deficiencies. Maintaining a regular sleep pattern can help ease symptoms. Hot baths, massages and heating pads or ice packs can also relieve symptoms in some patients.

The Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation encourages those suffering from RLS to not fight the urge to move when it arises. They also recommend finding an activity to occupy your mind when symptoms surface and to begin and end your day with stretching and massage.

Although some say RLS is a mental condition, several new studies link genetics to RLS sufferers.

		WATCH THE VIDEO
	RLS may be genetic Research shows that RLS is genetic although others believe it's all in your head.

The six-year old Nordic Restless Legs Study Group has found a family connection to be demonstrated in between 50 percent and 60 percent of cases. They have also found an 83 percent concordance in identical twin studies.

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute in Germany recently found three regions on three chromosomes associated with an increased risk of RLS of over 50 percent after studying 401 RLS patients.