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The China Post

Publication Date : 22-03-2013

A man in Taipei was diagnosed with restless legs syndrome due to frequent dreams involving the tiger from the film Life of Pi, according to the ShuTien Urology Ophthalmology Clinic. In the dreams, the man sees a fight between the film's main character and the tiger, named Richard Parker, bringing on unconscious fits of violent kicking. Dr. Huang Yu-ting, director of the clinic's neurology department, confirmed that the man, 45 and surnamed Tsai, did suffer from restless legs syndrome, but has shown a marked improvement after medical treatment.

A man in Taipei was diagnosed with restless legs syndrome due to frequent dreams involving the tiger from the film Life of Pi, according to the ShuTien Urology Ophthalmology Clinic.

In the dreams, the man sees a fight between the film's main character and the tiger, named Richard Parker, bringing on unconscious fits of violent kicking.

Dr. Huang Yu-ting, director of the clinic's neurology department, confirmed that the man, 45 and surnamed Tsai, did suffer from restless legs syndrome, but has shown a marked improvement after medical treatment.

The syndrome is a neurological disorder characterised by throbbing, pulling or other unpleasant sensations in the legs and an irresistible urge to move them. Symptoms occur primarily at night when a person is relaxing or at rest, and can increase in severity during the night. Moving the legs relieves the discomfort, according to Huang.

Most people with RLS have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. They are often unable to concentrate, have impaired memory, or fail to accomplish daily tasks. It can also make traveling difficult and lead to depression, Huang continued.

She diagnosed Tsai as suffering from RLS, because Tsai had poor sleep quality, felt like sleeping when in the office, and suffered serious spasms in his legs when sleeping. But after receiving medication, Tsai's condition has eased significantly.

Huang said that around 2 per cent of local people will suffer from restless legs syndrome at some point in their life, with most cases caused by kidney failure, diabetes and anemia.

The doctor stressed that the syndrome is not fatal and can be greatly improved through medication. She suggested those suffering from it avoid strong sound and light stimuli.