Restless Legs Syndrome–Is It Keeping You Up?
Restless Legs Syndrome, or RLS, is disorder of the nervous system and is defined as a need to move the legs in order to stop unpleasant sensations. It affects about 10% of the population in the U.S., with women being two to three times more likely than men to have the condition. Most people who are affected severely are middle-aged or older. In many cases, doctors do not know the cause of RLS, but about half of those who get RLS have a relative with the condition. Genetics may be a factor there, especially when symptoms start at a younger age. There are varying degrees of RLS, ranging from mild sensations to severe discomfort. These feelings give the sufferer an irresistable urge to move their legs, which does help to relieve the sensations.
RLS symptoms are usually worst in the evening and at night when a person is at rest, especially when lying or sitting. Just as the affected person is ready to settle down and relax or go to sleep, there is this feeling, usually in the lower part of the legs. People have described the sensations in different ways, such as creeping, crawling, aching, pulling, searing, tingling, bubbling, or crawling. Sometimes these feelings also occur in the upper legs, feet, or arms. RLS can lead to sleep deprivation and can also make it difficult to sit during air or car travel or through classes or meetings.
You should see your doctor if you have these bothersome sensations, because there are tests that should be done to rule out disorders with similar symptoms, including iron deficiency anemia. There is no specific test for RLS, but there are certain factors associated with the development of the condition. Chronic diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, kidney failure, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy often contribute to the problem. In these cases, treating the underlying disease or condition can help alleviate symptoms. Some types of medicines, such as anti-nausea drugs, antipsychotic drugs, some antidepressants, and cold and allergy medications containing antihistamines may worsen the symptoms. Some women experience RLS during pregnancy, especially in the last 3 months; in this case, the symptoms usually go away within the first month after the baby is delivered.
What can be done to alleviate the symptoms of RLS? Sometimes lifestyle changes can help, like having a regular exercise program and drinking enough water (1/2 your body weight in ounces per day). Decreasing or eliminating the use of caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol can be helpful. Massage, gentle stretching exercises, warm baths, heating pads, or ice packs applied to the legs are some other non-drug options for treatment. Stress is known to make the condition worse, so try to eliminate stress as much as you can, and try to have good sleep habits (see my blog about insomnia for helpful hints on this!) Meditation can be helpful as a relaxation technique. Taking a good quality vitamin B complex is good for your nervous system and can help reduce symptoms. You may also want to ask your doctor about IgG food sensitivity testing. Knowing if you are allergic or sensitive to a particular food so that you can avoid it can aid in decreasing inflammation in your body, which could also decrease RLS symptoms.
If all else fails, and your doctor has ruled out other medical conditions, then there are medications available to help treat Restless Legs Syndrome. Don’t suffer with this condition—helping to eliminate the symptoms of RLS can greatly increase the quality of your relaxation time, your sleep, and most of all your life!
