Restless Legs Syndrome
Restless Legs Syndrome disrupts sleep and causes discomfort. Let our experts help you find the right treatment for restful nights.
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), also called Willis-Ekbom disease, is a neurological disorder that causes an overwhelming urge to move the legs. This often comes with strange sensations like tingling, crawling, or burning, especially when you are resting or sitting still.
RLS symptoms usually get worse in the evening or at night, making it hard to sleep and affecting your daily life. It can happen to anyone but is more common in middle-aged and older people.
What is Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)?
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a chronic condition that affects the nervous system, causing an irresistible need to move the legs. It is considered a sleep disorder because the symptoms often get worse when you are resting, especially at night, which makes sleeping difficult.
The exact cause of RLS isn’t always clear but it is often connected to genetics, low iron levels, or other health problems. Getting diagnosed early and starting treatment can make a big difference in managing symptoms and living better.
Types of Restless Legs Syndrome
RLS is divided into two main types depending on its cause.
- Primary Restless Legs Syndrome
This type runs in families and often starts in childhood or the teenage years. The symptoms last a long time and may get worse as you grow older. There is no clear cause, but studies show it is strongly linked to genetics.
- Secondary Restless Legs Syndrome
This type happens because of other health issues like low iron, kidney disease, pregnancy, or certain medicines. Fixing the underlying problem can often reduce the symptoms.
Restless Legs Syndrome Symptoms
People with RLS may experience a variety of symptoms hat range from mild to severe. The most common include.
- Leg discomfort: Feelings like tingling, crawling, or itching that seem to come from deep inside the legs.
- Rest-induced symptoms: Discomfort often starts or gets worse when sitting or lying down.
- Relief with movement: Walking, stretching, or moving the legs helps ease the symptoms.
- Nighttime worsening: Symptoms are usually strongest in the evening or at night, making it hard to sleep.
- Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep leads to tiredness and lack of focus during the day.
Restless Legs Syndrome Causes
- Genetics: RLS often runs in families, suggesting a hereditary component.
- Iron deficiency: Low levels of iron in the brain can interfere with dopamine function, a key factor in RLS.
- Chronic conditions: Disorders like diabetes, kidney disease, or Parkinson’s disease can trigger or worsen symptoms.
- Medications: Drugs like antihistamines, antidepressants, or antipsychotics may exacerbate RLS symptoms.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, can also lead to temporary RLS.
Who Suffers from Restless Legs Syndrome?
RLS can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender, but some groups are more likely to develop it. Research shows that RLS is more common in women, especially during pregnancy. Middle-aged and older adults tend to experience more severe symptoms.
People with a family history of RLS, iron deficiency, or chronic health conditions like diabetes and kidney disease are at a higher risk. Lifestyle choices, such as not getting enough exercise or consuming too much caffeine, can also increase the likelihood of developing RLS.
RLS can greatly impact sleep quality, leading to tiredness, mood swings, and decreased performance. Early diagnosis and treatment can help improve daily life and overall well-being.
If you are at risk or struggling with RLS, seek help from a doctor at Somnium Sleep.
How is Restless Legs Syndrome Diagnosed?
Diagnosing RLS involves reviewing the patient’s medical history and symptoms. Key signs doctors look for include.
- A strong, uncontrollable urge to move the legs, often paired with discomfort.
- Symptoms that get worse when sitting still or lying down.
- Temporary relief through leg movement, such as walking or stretching.
- Symptoms that become more intense in the evening or at night.
Doctors may also perform blood tests to check for iron deficiency or other conditions that could be contributing to the symptoms. In some cases, sleep studies are done to rule out other sleep disorders, like sleep apnea.
Restless Legs Syndrome Treatment
Treating RLS often requires a mix of lifestyle adjustments, medications, and managing any underlying health issues.
- Lifestyle changes: Getting regular exercise, sticking to a sleep routine, and cutting back on caffeine or alcohol can help ease symptoms.
- Medications: Doctors may prescribe dopamine agonists, anticonvulsants, or iron supplements to manage RLS.
- Therapies: Relaxation techniques, gentle massages, and warm baths can offer temporary relief from discomfort.
Restless Legs Syndrome Medication
Medications such as pramipexole, ropinirole, and gabapentin are often prescribed to manage RLS symptoms. These drugs help regulate dopamine levels or reduce nerve pain. For those with low iron levels, iron supplements may also be recommended to address the deficiency and improve symptoms.
At-Home Restless Legs Syndrome Therapies
What Are the Latest Updates on Restless Legs Syndrome?
Research on RLS is making progress, offering new insights and treatment options.
- Iron-based therapies: Ongoing studies emphasize the importance of iron supplements in managing RLS symptoms, particularly for those with iron deficiency.
- Innovative medications: New medications with fewer side effects are being developed to specifically target dopamine pathways, providing more effective treatment options.
- Genetic research: Advances in genetics are helping identify risk factors for RLS, leading to better diagnosis and personalized treatments.
- Wearable devices: New wearable devices that stimulate the legs are being explored as potential solutions to alleviate discomfort and improve symptoms.
- Behavioral interventions: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is being investigated as a non-drug treatment to help manage RLS symptoms through behavioral techniques.
How to Stop Restless Legs Immediately?
If you experience sudden RLS symptoms, try these strategies for quick relief.
- Stretching exercises: Gently stretch your leg muscles to reduce discomfort and improve circulation.
- Warm bath: Soak your legs in warm water to relax muscles and ease tension.
- Massage: A quick leg massage can relieve the urge to move and reduce discomfort.
- Heat or cold therapy: Apply a heating pad or cold pack to the affected area for temporary relief.
- Relaxation techniques: Practice deep breathing or meditation to calm your mind and body, easing the symptoms.
Where to Get Help for Restless Legs Syndrome
If you suspect you have RLS, it is important to consult a neurologist or sleep specialist for an accurate diagnosis. These experts can help determine the best treatment options for managing symptoms.
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I came to this office with a serious sleeping problem to the point of going crazy. I had been unable to sleep properly for many months. Dr. Nabi helped me a lot with his diagnosis. Apart from being an excellent doctor, he was kind and very professional. Thank you, Dr. Nabi and team.
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Dr. Nabi has been my sleep doctor for years now. No one compares to the exceptional service Somnium provides.
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Exceptional service, this should be everyone's go-to sleep clinic! Dr. Nabi answered all my questions so kindly and made sure I was comfortable and well-informed prior to the sleep study. Highly recommend!
Mehvish Qureshi
Dr. Nabi is a very good doctor! I highly recommend visiting this clinic if you’re having any sleep issues.
Aminah S
I came to this office with a serious sleeping problem to the point of going crazy. I had been unable to sleep properly for many months. Dr. Nabi helped me a lot with his diagnosis. Apart from being an excellent doctor, he was kind and very professional. Thank you, Dr. Nabi and team.
Emperatriz Rodriguez
Deborah Goben
Dr. Nabi has been my sleep doctor for years now. No one compares to the exceptional service Somnium provides.
Forest Manor
Exceptional service, this should be everyone's go-to sleep clinic! Dr. Nabi answered all my questions so kindly and made sure I was comfortable and well-informed prior to the sleep study. Highly recommend!
Mehvish Qureshi
Dr. Nabi is a very good doctor! I highly recommend visiting this clinic if you’re having any sleep issues.
Aminah S
I came to this office with a serious sleeping problem to the point of going crazy. I had been unable to sleep properly for many months. Dr. Nabi helped me a lot with his diagnosis. Apart from being an excellent doctor, he was kind and very professional. Thank you, Dr. Nabi and team.
Emperatriz Rodriguez
Deborah Goben
Dr. Nabi has been my sleep doctor for years now. No one compares to the exceptional service Somnium provides.
Forest Manor
Exceptional service, this should be everyone's go-to sleep clinic! Dr. Nabi answered all my questions so kindly and made sure I was comfortable and well-informed prior to the sleep study. Highly recommend!
Mehvish Qureshi
Dr. Nabi is a very good doctor! I highly recommend visiting this clinic if you’re having any sleep issues.
Aminah S
I came to this office with a serious sleeping problem to the point of going crazy. I had been unable to sleep properly for many months. Dr. Nabi helped me a lot with his diagnosis. Apart from being an excellent doctor, he was kind and very professional. Thank you, Dr. Nabi and team.
Emperatriz Rodriguez
Deborah Goben
Dr. Nabi has been my sleep doctor for years now. No one compares to the exceptional service Somnium provides.
Forest Manor
Exceptional service, this should be everyone's go-to sleep clinic! Dr. Nabi answered all my questions so kindly and made sure I was comfortable and well-informed prior to the sleep study. Highly recommend!
Mehvish Qureshi
Dr. Nabi is a very good doctor! I highly recommend visiting this clinic if you’re having any sleep issues.
Aminah S
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Expert Staff
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