Restless legs syndrome is considered both a sleep and movement disorder. But at its root, it is a neurological disorder, with symptoms originating in the brain. Speak with your primary care physician and ask them if a sleep medicine consultation or a sleep study is appropriate for you. The symptoms you are experiencing are easily treatable in almost every case. By Bobby Boland , Contributing Writer. Aug 08, Better Me.
How is RLS Diagnosed? The four basic criteria for diagnosis of RLS include the following: Symptoms include an overwhelming urge to move your legs, associated with a discomfort or unusual feeling Symptoms usually worsen at rest Discomfort typically goes away, either partially or totally, with movement The urge starts or gets worse in the evening Depending on your situation, your physician may recommend participation in a sleep study. October 17, October 13, October 10, October 03, September 29, Pregnant women are two to three times more likely to report RLS symptoms, especially during the third trimester, and individuals with chronic renal failure are two to five times more likely.
Caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine use can also exacerbate symptoms, as can some medications, including anti-nausea drugs, antipsychotics, and antidepressants. Based on your answers, your doctor may order a blood test or refer you to a sleep specialist.
A blood test will help rule out an iron deficiency , a risk factor for RLS. An overnight sleep study, known as a polysomnogram , may be ordered if your doctor thinks your symptoms may be related to another sleep disorder, like periodic limb movement disorder or sleep apnea.
These disorders can coexist with RLS or worsen symptoms. Depending on your diagnosis, your doctor will develop a treatment plan for you. For example, a regimen of over-the-counter iron supplements may help address an underlying iron deficiency. Some mild to moderate symptoms of RLS can be relieved with lifestyle changes, such as reducing your alcohol and nicotine intake, or practicing better sleep hygiene.
For many people, RLS is a lifelong condition, but symptoms can be managed to enable you to experience less discomfort and get more sleep. Danielle writes in-depth articles about sleep solutions and holds a psychology degree from the University of British Columbia. Wright, M.
She has a decade of experience in the study of disease. Restless legs syndrome RLS , otherwise known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a disorder characterized by uncomfortable tingling sensations and an irresistible….
Restless legs syndrome RLS , also called Willis Ekbom disease causes uncomfortable feelings in the legs, such as itching, prickling, pulling,…. Good sleep is essential for our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. The average adult needs seven to nine hours of…. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website.
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Our editors and medical experts rigorously evaluate every article and guide to ensure the information is factual, up-to-date, and free of bias. Updated October 16, Written by Danielle Pacheco. Medically Reviewed by Heather Wright. You may experience these symptoms : You have an irresistible urge to move or stretch, often due to uncomfortable sensations in the legs.
These sensations are distinct from numbness, or the cramps associated with a charley horse. Rather, patients with RLS describe them as twitching, itching, aching, crawling, tingling, or tugging. Symptoms range from uncomfortable to painful. Restless leg syndrome is so-called because sensations are primarily felt in the legs, although up to 57 percent of people may experience similar sensations in their arms.
Sensations usually affect both legs, but can appear in just one, or alternate between legs. Moving partially or temporarily relieves these sensations. Individuals with RLS may find relief from kicking, rubbing, pacing, walking or moving around. Once you stop moving, the sensations may reoccur. Symptoms begin or worsen when you are inactive, particularly when you are lying down, sitting, or resting. For example, you may be lying in bed, resting on the couch, or sitting on a plane.
Learn more about how children are affected by restless leg syndrome ». Try to cut high-calorie processed foods with little or no nutritional value.
Some people with symptoms of RLS are deficient in particular vitamins and minerals. It all depends on what your test results show. Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron, so you might also want to pair iron-rich foods with these sources of vitamin C:. Caffeine is tricky. It can trigger symptoms of RLS in some people, but actually helps others.
Try to avoid it, especially in the evening. Learn more about how your diet can relieve symptoms of restless leg syndrome ». Those strange sensations in your legs can be uncomfortable or painful. And those symptoms can make it almost impossible to fall asleep and stay asleep.
In addition to working with your doctor to find relief, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of restful sleep:. Check out more tips for better sleep with restless leg syndrome ». Symptoms of RLS can spring up for the first time during pregnancy, usually in the last trimester.
Data suggests that pregnant women may have two or three times higher risk of RLS. Some possibilities are vitamin or mineral deficiencies, hormonal changes, or nerve compression. Pregnancy can also cause leg cramps and difficulty sleeping. These symptoms can be hard to distinguish from RLS. You may need to be tested for iron or other deficiencies. RLS in pregnancy usually goes away on its own within weeks after giving birth. Be sure to mention if you are breast-feeding. Learn more about how restless leg syndrome can affect pregnancy ».
Both sides of the body are usually involved, but some people have it on only one side. This causes involuntary leg twitching or jerking during sleep that can last all night long.
Peripheral neuropathy, diabetes, and kidney failure cause symptoms like RLS. Treating the underlying condition often helps. The same medications can improve symptoms of both conditions. Medication used to combat fatigue associated with chronic diseases can also cause this. Medication adjustments and home remedies may help. Anyone can have occasional leg cramps or strange sensations that come and go. When symptoms interfere with sleep, see your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Be sure to mention any underlying health conditions.
This includes one million school-age children. Among people with RLS, 35 percent had symptoms before age One in ten report symptoms by age Symptoms tend to worsen with age.
Incidence is twice as high in women as in men. Pregnant women may have two or three times higher risk than the general population. Certain antihistamines, antinausea, antidepressant, or antipsychotic medications can trigger or worsen symptoms of RLS. PLMS involves involuntary leg twitching or jerking every 15 to 40 seconds during sleep.
But more than 40 percent of people with RLS have some family history of the condition. There are five gene variants associated with RLS. Simple lifestyle changes, over-the-counter pain relievers, exercise, and other home remedies can go a long way in helping you alleviate your RLS…. Restless leg syndrome RLS is a common problem for pregnant women. Learn how to recognize RLS and treat it with home remedies.
Restless legs syndrome RLS can lead to poor quality of life. Learn about treatments such as supplements, medication, foot wraps, and vibrating pads…. The effects of anxiety can make you tired.
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