The Restless Legs
Sleep Syndrome
A Sleep Disorder That Affects The Restless Legs
Sleep Syndrome
Restless leg syndrome, also known as RLS, is a sleep disorder
which has affected more than 15 percent of adults.
It has been found that it affects more women than men and
the occurrence of restless leg syndrome increases with age.
Besides, there are certain medical conditions also increase
the risk of the disease, such as diabetes, arthritis and varicose
veins.
This sleep disorder is identified by an uncontrollable urge
to move the lower legs, knees and sometimes the arms. Sometimes
painful sensations will come along with the urge to move.
The victims of this sleep disorder describe the feelings and
sensations in their own ways. Many of them describe it as
a tingling, itching or pulling sensation. There are some others
say it feels prickly or burns while there are some feel as
if they have worms crawling under their skin.
The sensations of this sleep disorder can happen anytime
during the day or night. Restless leg syndrome which happens
at night has a disturbing effect on sleep. The symptoms can
cause the victim to get in and out of bed repeatedly which
can eventually disrupt sleep. Since sleep in repeatedly interrupted,
extreme daytime sleepiness is common.
The combination of fatigue and the symptoms themselves can
cause a person with restless leg syndrome to modify their
lifestyle. Long trips, movies, concerts and eating in restaurants
are among the activities they usually avoid. Even attending
a long meeting at work can become very painful and miserable.
People that have this sleep disorder tend to suffer from depression
as well.
Researchers have found that restless leg syndrome may be
caused by malfunctions of the pathways in the brain that controls
movement reflexes and sensations. Sometimes, this sleep disorder
has a genetic base.
Restless leg syndrome cannot be diagnosed with just one single
test. Usually, the standard neurological examinations do not
show any signs of an abnormality. In most of the cases, a
doctor makes the diagnosis of restless leg syndrome based
on the description of the symptoms, and also consider about
the family history, and the results of a routine medical examination
and blood tests.
Most of the time, the treatment for restless leg syndrome
is targeted to control the debilitating sensations which come
with this sleep disorder. And also, some iron supplements
are prescribed because severe anemia has been related to this
disorder. Relaxation techniques, diet changes and the elimination
of caffeine and alcohol help some sufferers of restless leg
syndrome.
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