Restless Legs Info
A Sleep Complaint That Affects the Legs – Restless Sleep Syndrome
Restless leg syndrome, known as RLS, is a sleep condition that afflicts more than 15 percent of adults.
It has a bearing on more women than men and the incidence of restless leg syndrome increases with maturity. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis and varicose veins, also increase the risk of developing restless leg syndrome.
This sleep condition is characterized by an uncontrolled urge to move the lower legs, knees and occasionally the arms. Sometimes agonizing sensations accompany the urge to move. People that suffer from this sleep disorder describe the feelings and sensations in different ways. Many describe a tingling, itching or pulling sensation. Even others say it feels prickly or burns. Some feel as though they have worms crawling under their skin.
The sensations that are typical of this sleep condition can occur anytime during the day.
Restless leg syndrome occurring in the evening has a devastating effect on sleep. The symptoms can lead to the sufferer to get inside and outside of bed repeatedly that can delay or disrupt sleep. Since sleep in repeatedly interrupted, extreme daytime sleepiness is usual.
The amalgamation of always feeling tired and the symptoms themselves can lead to a person with restless leg syndrome to alter their lifestyle. Long trips, movies, concerts and eating in restaurants are a few of the pursuits they commonly avoid. Attending a long meeting at work can become very painful and uncomfortable. People that have this sleep complaint often endure depression.
Researchers think that restless leg syndrome could be a consequence of malfunctions of the pathways in the brain that controls movement reflexes and sensations. Often this sleep complaint has a hereditary base.
Restless leg syndrome can’t be diagnosed by only test. Often standard neurological examinations show no signs of an abnormality. In many cases, a physician makes the diagnosis of restless leg syndrome based on the description of the symptoms. They also take into account family history, and the outcomes of a routine medical examination and blood tests.
Many times the therapy for restless leg syndrome is focused towards controlling the debilitating sensations that accompany this sleep disorder. Often iron supplements are prescribed because severe anemia has been associated with this condition. Relaxation systems, diet changes and the excretion of caffeine and alcohol help some sufferers of restless leg syndrome.
In most instances, this sleep complaint is treated with drugs. These drugs could include dopamine agents, benzodiazepines, opioids or anticonvulsants. Medications do not cure restless leg syndrome, but they manage the symptoms. People that endure this sleep condition normally have to stay on their drugs for the rest of their lives.
Another sleep complaint close to restless leg syndrome is periodic limb movement condition called PLMD. There are two main differences between restless leg syndrome and periodic limb movement complaint. Restless leg syndrome happens when the sufferer is awake or asleep; periodic limb movement complaint only takes place when the sufferer is asleep. Restless leg syndrome movements are voluntary responses to very unpleasant sensations; the movements of periodic limb movement condition are involuntary and are not consciously controlled. Both of these sleep disorders may be effectively controlled with medical remedy.
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