A Sleep Disorder That Affects The Legs - Restless Sleep Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome, called RLS, is a sleep disorder that afflicts greater than 15 percent of adults.

Restless leg syndrome, called RLS, is a sleep disorder that afflicts greater than 15 percent of adults.

It has effects on more women than men and the occurrence of restless leg malady increases with age. Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis and varicose veins, also increase the chance of getting restless leg problem. This sleep disorder is indicated by an irrepressible desire to move the reduced legs, knees and however the arms. Occasionally painful sensations accompany the impulse to go. Those who suffer from this sleep disorder describe the thoughts and sensations in several ways. Many describe a tingling, itching or pulling sensation. Still others say it feels prickly or burns. Some feel as when they have worms crawling under their skin.

The sensations which are typical of this sleep disorder can occur anytime in the daytime or night. Restless leg syndrome occurring at night has a harmful result on sleep. The symptoms and signs will cause the sufferer for getting in and out of bed repeatedly which can delay or affect sleep. Since sleep in continuously interrupted, extreme daytime sleepiness is typical.

The combination of always thinking tired and the symptoms them can cause any person with restless leg issue to change their lifestyle. Long trips, movies, concerts and eating in restaurants are a few of these activities they usually avoid. Attending a lengthy meeting at work becomes very painful and uncomfortable. Moat people that have this sleep disorder often are afflicted by depression.

Researchers feel that restless leg malady may be a result of malfunctions of the pathways on the brain that manages movement reflexes and sensations. Generally this sleep disorder has a genetic base.

Restless leg malady cannot be diagnosed by one single test. Often standard neurological examinations show no signs of an abnormality. In so many cases, a doctor helps make the diagnosis of restless leg problem based on the description of the signs of illness. They also take into account family history, and the results of a routine medical examination and blood tests.

Sometimes the treatment for restless leg issue is focused at controlling the debilitating feelings that accompany this sleep disorder. Often iron supplements are prescribed because severe anemia has been connected to this issue. Leisure techniques, diet changes and the removal of caffeine and alcohol can help some sufferers of stressed leg syndrome.er

In most cases, this sleep disorder is helped by drugs. These drugs could include dopamine agents, benzodiazepines, opioids or anticonvulsants. Medications don't cure restless leg syndrome, but they manage the problems. Those who have problems with this sleep disorder typically have to keep on their medications through out their lives.

Another sleep disorder similar to restless leg issue is periodic limb movement disorder known as PLMD. There's two main differences between restless leg syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder. Restless leg syndrome happens when the sufferer is awake or asleep; periodic limb movement problem only occurs when the sufferer is asleep. Disturbed leg malady movements are voluntary responses to very unpleasant sensations; the movements of periodic limb movement disorder are involuntary and are not consciously controlled. Both of these sleep disorders may be effectively controlled with medical therapy.