Comprehending Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Restless legs syndrome disease is also popular by the name Willis-Ekborn and makes an individual suffer from uneasiness caused by sensations in the legs. These uncomfortable sensations can be characterized by unwanted feelings in the form of creeping, crawling, and tingly feelings attributed to causing an overwhelming desire to keep moving the affected limb. A person can experience the symptoms of restless legs syndrome at the time of sleeping, sitting, resting, or most probably these situations happen during the night. These periodic limb movements of sleep caused by RLS can lead to severe sleeping problems or sleeplessness.
RLS can be experienced in two forms, primary and secondary. Some people belong to the category of primary RLS and its cause is yet to be revealed whereas, secondary RLS is associated with nerve problems, chronic kidney problems, pregnancy, iron deficiency, etc. People who are diagnosed with RLS have mild symptoms in most of the cases, however, if symptoms are severe, it can bring huge changes in your life, affecting the pace of life and mental conditions miserably. The consequences of the condition can affect your thinking, professions, social activities, concentration, and bliss, and can impact other areas of your health.
There is no specific treatment to alleviate the discomfort caused by RLS but you can resort to some proven therapies to get rid of it, otherwise, the persistence of the problem can lead to depression and anxiety.
What Are The Causes Of Restless Legs Syndrome?
The cause of RLS can be better understood by situations that are probably out of your control and are associated with pregnancy or genetics. In addition, it could be associated with the consumption of medicines, daily habits, and other health conditions.
Pregnancy- Some women during the period of pregnancy may get vulnerable to restless legs syndrome. It happens mostly in the last stage of pregnancy and its symptoms may worsen due to hormonal changes, however, they disappear after some days of delivery.
Chemical imbalance- The symptoms of RLS are also associated with the imbalance of brain chemicals.
Kidney issue- If you have a problem with the kidney or it is not functioning well, you may suffer from iron deficiency and anemia, and these conditions may worsen the situation, and make you suffer from other health disorders.
Spinal cord conditions- The symptoms of RLS may appear due to the damage to the spinal cord. If you resort to injecting anesthesia, it is also one of the underlying reasons for the cause of restless legs syndrome.
What Are The Treatments Of Restless Legs Syndrome?
The Restless legs syndrome condition is often caused by anemia or iron deficiency and these conditions do not disappear on their own unless treated the right way. You can manage this condition, by incorporating some methods into your daily life. The first thing you should do is to consult the doctor and get your conditions checked. He/she may prescribe you medications such as Xanax and diazepam, along with other suggestions. The list of treatments below you can consider alleviating the conditions of RLS.
- Prescription medications
- Healthy sleep habits
- Iron and vitamin supplements
- Exercise
- Vibration pad
- Massage
- Acupuncture
- Hot and cold treatments
- Yoga and stretching
- Foot wrap
RLS: A Serious Condition That Should Not Be Ignored
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by an overwhelming urge to move the legs, typically accompanied by uncomfortable sensations. RLS often prevents restful sleep, leading to daytime fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. If left untreated it can lead to serious side effects such as depression, anxiety, and disrupted sleep patterns.
What triggers restless leg syndrome?
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) can be triggered by environmental or psychological factors, lifestyle, medical conditions and medication. Common triggers include stress, fatigue, iron deficiency, caffeine, alcohol and certain medications.
How can I sleep with restless legs?
If you’re experiencing restless legs at night, try a few of these tips to help you get more restful sleep: exercise earlier in the day, avoid caffeine and nicotine, take a hot bath or shower before bed, apply a warm/cool compress to your legs, practice relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation, keep your bedroom cool and dark, and try over-the-counter medications.
Why do restless legs start at night?
Restless legs syndrome symptoms can start as early as childhood and tend to get worse in the evening or night. It is thought that dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved with controlling muscle movements, might be out of balance in people with restless legs syndrome, leading to motor problems such as involuntary leg jerks or twitches, an irresistible urge to move the legs, and a crawling sensation in the limbs.