Restless Legs Syndrome

          Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a disorder of the part of the nervous system that affects the legs and causes the sensations and the need to move them. Because it usually interferes with sleep, it also is considered a sleep disorder. RLS is more common in women and middle aged people.

Symptoms of RLS;

1. People having restless legs syndrome have uncomfortable sensations in their legs and sometimes it may also be present in arms or other parts of the body, and an irresistible urge to move their legs to relieve this feeling.

2. The symptoms vary from mild to moderate and are generally worse in night and less severe in the morning, so these symptoms cause disturbance in sleep.

3. Restless leg symptoms start or become worse when you’re sitting, relaxing, or trying to rest, and it generally gets better when you walk or try to move your leg or arm.

4. Many people with restless legs syndrome also have periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), a sleep disorder that involves repetitive cramping or jerking of the legs during sleep. These leg movements further disrupt your sleep.

Causes of RLS;

1. Certain chronic diseases and medical conditions, including iron deficiency, Parkinson’s disease, kidney failure, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy often include symptoms of RLS. Treating these conditions often gives some relief from restless legs symptoms.

2. Other factors, including alcohol use and sleep deprivation, may trigger symptoms or make them worse. Improving sleep or eliminating alcohol use in these cases may relieve symptoms.

3. Genes play major role in RLS, it causes the problem in more than 60% of  people.

4. Certain medications used to treat nausea, cough and cold, allergies, depression and mental illness can trigger RLS.

Prevention;

               There is no specific method to prevent it except preventing some things which may be cause of RLS. If the symptoms occur due some medication or treatable conditions, then treatment of those causes may remove or reduce RLS. Lifestyle changes can also help to reveal the discomfort at much extent.

Life style changes mainly include;

 

1. Avoiding fatigue by taking adequate rest is very necessary step to reduce the symptoms.

 

2. Daily exercise can significantly reduce the symptoms of restless legs syndrome.

 

3. Reducing or eliminating consumption of coffee, tea, soft drinks, and caffeinated foods such as chocolate may also be helpful.

 

5. Drinking and smoking can worsen the condition so try not to use them.

 

6. You should maintain your weight according to age, as it can cause many problems, weight reduction can be helpful in preventing RLS.

 

7. Stress can make RLS symptoms worse, so you should stay calm. 

 

Treatment;

1. Medications are generally given to those who have sleep disturbance with RLS.

2. Stretching, shaking legs and other methods of relief bring temporary relief. Unfortunately the symptoms usually immediately return as soon as the moving and walking ceases.

3. Vitamins C & E and their combination could be helpful and they have no side effects also.