Restless Leg Sydrome (RLS) is an irresistible urge to move your legs that occurs when you go to bed and all during the night. 10% of the population experiences this problem. If you have RLS, the constant movement interferes with your ability to get a good night’s sleep. These sensations and your body’s reactions to them will either partially, or fully wake you multiple times during the night.
RLS can be inherited and is most likely to show up after age 40. It is also a neurological problem, so people with diabetes, kidney disease, or back problems will have a higher rate of occurrence as well.
If you have RLS, these urges to move your legs are strong and you may not be able to resist them. The irritation is generally heightened by sensations of “itching”, “tugging” or an “ants-in-my-pants” prickly irritation.
These sensations are most prominent whenever you are trying to rest, especially at night. The longer your body is at rest the more irritating these symptoms get.
You can also expect RLS to be a chronic problem through out your life. RLS generally gets worse with age. The good news is that you can also have periods of remission- a time frame where the symptoms are “sleeping”, and so are you by the way. Remissions can last anywhere from a few days to a few months before your symptoms return.
For those that have only mild to moderate symptoms, there are some lifestyle changes you can make to help you rest better.
Decrease or completely eliminate caffeine, alcohol and tobacco.
Increasing your intake of vitamins B12 and E, iron, folate and magnesium may offer some relief.
Movement does relieve the symptoms but only for a short while. Exercise before bed to release pent up tension from the day.
Try mild relaxants, massages, and a warm bath before bed.
When your symptoms are severe, your doctor, or sleep specialist, will likely prescribe medication to help you control the movements. This could be something to relax the muscles or the central nervous system. Ropinirole is the name of a drug specifically approved by the FDA for treatment of RLS.
RLS brings a whole new perspective to your partner’s complaint that you keep kicking him all night, doesn’t it?
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