Written by Fred Hermsen
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), or Periodic Limb Movement Disorder, is a neurological disorder that is fairly common but often unrecognized or misdiagnosed and is characterized by uncomfortable sensations in the legs, which are worse during periods of inactivity, resting or while sitting or lying down. The condition is not dangerous or life-threatening and does not indicate a serious disorder; however, it is uncomfortable and can disrupt sleep. The condition most commonly occurs among older people and pregnant women.
RLS causes an individual to have irritating sensations in the limbs, primarily the legs, which are very distracting and uncomfortable, but usually not painful. Patients describe the sensations as having itchy, "creepy-crawly" or twitchy legs. The condition creates a need for movement of the affected limb for temporary relief. Restless leg syndrome was described as early as the 16th century but was not studied until the 1940s. The exact cause of the problem is still unknown. RLS is included in the sleep disorders because it causes periodic limb movements and feelings of restlessness during the night. RLS symptoms increase during times when a person is resting or sleeping. A RLS sufferer may be partially or fully aroused from sleep from 5 to 50 times per hour. Even if the individual is not awakened by the limb movements, this creates very unhealthy, disjointed sleep and leads to fatigue during waking hours.
The main characteristics of RLS include
• Difficulty sleeping
• Persistent leg movements during sleep hours. Symptoms occur most frequently during the evening or early part of the night
• Irresistible urge to move the legs
• Abnormal sensation in the legs, occasionally, feet, thighs, arms, which entail creeping, burning, tingling, cramping, aching, pulling or crawling sensations within the affected extremities
• Sensations or discomfort (not pain, not cramps) are relieved by movement of the legs
• May occur during the day
• Worse when lying down and may be temporarily diminished by voluntary movements of the affected limb
These sensations have the following features:
• Occur most frequently during periods of inactivity, such as while resting, sitting quietly or when attempting to fall asleep.
• Are temporarily relieved by movement of the limb.
• Can occur during the day, causing the individual to pace or move the legs excessively.
• Cause involuntary jerking or twitching of the limbs during sleep.
• Cause excessive daytime fatigue or sleepiness caused by sleep disturbances in the night, as well as insomnia.
Mild RLS sufferers may feel relief from their symptoms by:
• Exercising more frequently, as moving the legs usually relieves the discomfort.
• Eating a healthy diet and getting enough Folic Acid, Calcium, Iron, and essential vitamins.
• Reducing the amount of stress in their lifestyle. Popular relaxation methods include exercise, hobbies, yoga, biofeedback, and meditation.
• Relieving physical symptoms using cold packs, massage, acupressure, stretching, baths, or walking.
• Avoiding alcohol and caffeine-containing items like coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate, especially later in the day.
• Maintaining a healthy sleep routine - sleeping in a quiet, comfortable room, elevating the limbs with an adjustable mattress, and going to bed and waking at the same times each day.
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