Resless Leg Syndrome

Does Restless Legs Syndrome Disturb Your Sleep?

Do you suffer from Restless Leg Syndrome (RSL)?  RLS is a strange condition, the cause isn’t completely certain and there is no real cure. The only real hope for you if you have restless leg syndrome is that this is usually not a permanent problem.  It will afflict you for a while and then just as suddenly as it arrived it is gone.

Restless Legs Syndrome causes uncomfortable feelings in the legs. These feelings intensify when lying down or when sitting. The only way you can make them go away is by getting up and moving around. Because of the need to move the condition interrupts sleep. Restless legs syndrome is considered a sleeping disorder because of the constant disruption of sleep.

An uncomfortable feeling in the legs and arms is the most common symptom. These feelings can be difficult to describe, but sufferers know the feelings aren't cramps or pain in the muscles. RLS causes a tingling, prickling or burning sensation. Some claim their legs feel as if tiny bugs are crawling under the skin.

These feelings are more prominent during night time and are brought about by inactivity. The symptoms can subside and then recur and can vary in intensity.

Periodic Limb Movement and RLS

Involuntary leg flexing and extension is another symptom of RLS. Called Periodic Limb Movements of Sleep (PLMS), most who exhibit this problem aren't even aware of it because it occurs during sleep. PLMS does keep you from entering a deep sleep and can cause disruptive sleep for anyone else sleeping in the same bed.

RLS appears to be associated with a release of the chemical dopamine which controls muscle movement. It is thought to be hereditary because in 50% of sufferers a family member also suffers form RSL. 

Stress and pregnancy can aggravate the symptoms. A deficiency of iron can cause symptoms to appear as can nerves in the hands and feet that have become damaged because of alcoholism or diabetes.

RLS can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can be caused by a number of other conditions including stress, muscle cramps, and alcoholism.  These have to be ruled out as the cause when your condition is investigated by your doctor. You will most likely be given a questionnaire to fill in to help with the diagnosis.  Questions will be asked about your sleep patterns and about the discomfort.  A visit to a sleep clinic where your sleep can be closely monitored is often necessary to help make a correct diagnosis.

Movement is the way most people treat restless leg syndrome. Walking, stretching, twitching and exercising are often helpful. However, if RLS is found to have an underlying cause such as an iron deficiency, treating that cause will of course cure the RLS.   

Lifestyle changes and medication are also commonly recommended treatments for the symptoms of RLS. Muscle relaxants, antidepressants and opiods and other drugs may be suggested. Since some  of the drugs suggested are not specifically designed for treating RLS  their use as a treatment for this condition can have mixed results. Non-prescription treatments include over-the-counter pain relievers, hot or cool packs, massage, yoga, exercise and development of a good sleep routine to improve disturbed sleep.