Yes,
there actually is such a thing called Restless Legs Syndrome
(RLS). Known as a contributing cause to insomnia, Restless Legs
Syndrome afflicts thousands of Americans daily. Luckily there
are things you can do to get a more restful sleep.
What
is it?
Restless Legs Syndrome is characterized by tingling and aching
sensations of the lower legs that usually occur when sleeping
or sitting down. Remarkably, these aches get better when walking
or getting up to stand. People generally don't complain about
pain, but have the feeling that they need to constantly move
their legs.
Involuntary
jerking of the legs may occur in sleep or while awake. And despite
the name, it can affect the arms as well. These symptoms often
get worse at night, leading to daytime sleepiness.
| Common
Characteristics of Restless Legs Syndrome |
|
Some
common symptoms of RLS include:
- Unpleasant
sensations in the legs (sometimes the arms as
well), often described as creeping, crawling,
tingling, pulling, or painful
- Leg
sensations that are relieved by walking, stretching,
knee bends, massage, or hot or cold baths
- Leg
discomfort occurs when lying down or sitting for
prolonged periods of time
- The
symptoms are worse in the evening and during the
night
|
|
Other
possible characteristics include:
- Involuntary
leg (and occasionally arm) movements while asleep
- Difficulty
falling asleep or staying asleep
- Sleepiness
or fatigue during the daytime
- Cause
of the leg discomfort not detected by medical
tests
- Family
members with similar symptoms
|
| Source:
National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung,
and Blood Institute |
|
What
causes it?
Doctor's
really don't know what causes Restless Legs Syndrome. Most researchers
believe it is based on malfunctioning nerves.
We
do know it tends to occur more often in families, and it is
more prevalent in middle-aged people (over age 40), and in women.
Other common traits include complaints of "growing pains" during
puberty, and pregnancy.
How
is it diagnosed?
According
to the Restless Legs Foundation, this syndrome is often misdiagnosed.
Symptoms are usually attributed to arthritis, leg cramps, or
a simple result of aging. Laboratory tests may be ordered as
vitamin and iron deficiencies, anemia, and urinary tract infections
can all contribute to this disorder.
How
is it treated?
Levodopa,
a medicine used to treat Parkinson's Disease, is often given
in the treatment of RLS, as well as other medications such as
bromocriptine which is classified as a dopamine receptor agonist.
Narcotic analgesics and antidepressant medications may also
be prescribed.
What
can I do if I have Restless Leg Syndrome?
There
are a number of things you can do if you suffer from Restless
Legs Syndrome. One hallmark of treatment includes improving
sleep hygiene. This means going to bed at regular times, minimizing
stimuli for sleep, and avoiding eating or drinking before turning
in. (Take the Sleep IQ quiz at the end of this article to find
out how much you know about the facts about sleeping.)
Exercising
regularly, especially the use of a walking regimen has been
found to be very helpful. Avoiding excessive alcohol and caffeine
have also been found to be useful, as caffeine has been thought
to "overexcite" the nerves, causing the problem.
Taking
vitamin E and calcium may also help minimize the symptoms. Regular
stretching and massage are also popular treatments, as well
as taking hot baths before going to bed, or placing hot packs
on the legs.
Restless
Legs Syndrome is commonly misunderstood and there are still
a lot of things we don't know about it. The key to success is
increasing the awareness and education about this perplexing
neurologic problem. For more information, contact the Restless
Legs Syndrome Foundation, Inc. at www.rls.org.
Sleep
IQ quiz
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