Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) may be rather annoying; it's that strange, driven need to move your legs when all you want to do is relax or sleep. At times, it seems like deep inside I'm tingling, crawling, or aching. Although there is no lasting solution, therapies can reduce the pain so you may eventually rest.

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Overview

What is restless legs syndrome?

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a brain, nerve, and sleep disorder with a strong, nearly crushing desire to move your legs, usually a little relaxed by movement. Symptoms are more frequent while your body is at evening rest. It often happens along with uncomfortable leg feelings such as throbbing or hurting. Trying to rest or get asleep could be challenged by the need to always move.

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What are the types of restless legs syndrome?

There are two types of RLS:

• Early onset: A diagnosis occurs before age 45, it often runs in your genetic family history and the problem advances gradually.
• Late onset: A diagnosis occurs beyond age 45; RLS advances rapidly.

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Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of restless legs syndrome?

Symptoms of restless legs syndrome include:

• Discomfort in your legs that makes you desire to move them.
• When you are resting, sensations gets worse.
• Moving your legs relieves discomfort at least temporarily.
• Leg jerks in the evening and during sleep or twitchy legs.

Symptoms of restless legs syndrome can affect your sleep. This can cause:

• Sleep disturbances, trouble falling asleep or remaining asleep.
• The need to stretch or move your legs compels you to rise from bed.
• Daytime drowsiness or weariness.
• Changes in behavior or mood.
• Trouble remembering things, focusing, or paying attention.
• Anxiety or sadness.

What causes restless legs syndrome?

Restless legs syndrome's origin is not fully known. It might have something to do with how your basal ganglia, the area of your brain responsible for movement, works. Dopamine controls the movement of your body by the basal ganglia. Should this brain region lack sufficient dopamine, it cannot control your movement as effectively as it should to. This might make RLS symptoms show up.

Research suggests the following may contribute to RLS:

• RLS is something you can inherit genetically. One of your biological parents passes a genetic trait—autosomal dominant—during conception, which causes an RLS diagnosis.
• Despite healthy blood levels, your brain may be lacking in iron.
• Some diseases can lead to secondary RLS, or RLS happening alongside another medical condition.
• Some drugs, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, or antinausea drugs, might aggravate RLS or cause it.

What triggers restless legs syndrome?

Triggers are things that make your RLS symptoms worse. Possible triggers can vary but could include:

• Alcohol.
• Caffeine.
• Nicotine.
• Certain medications.
• Stress.

Management and Treatment

How is restless legs syndrome treated?

RLS treatment could involve altering your home routine or using drugs to help relieve your symptoms. Working with their doctor to control other underlying health issues could help some people ease their symptoms. Your doctor and you will talk about the treatment possibilities that could suit you best as well as any adverse effects to watch out for.

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At-home restless legs syndrome therapies

A doctor might advise the following at-home treatments if you have minor RLS symptoms to enable you more comfort and assist you sleep with restless legs. These could consist of:

• Regular exercises like aerobics, cycling, stationary bike use, or walking help one to stay fit. Steer clear of strenuous or hard exercise within a few hours of sleep.
• Following useful sleep practices like avoiding reading, watching television or using a computer or phone while lying in bed. Lack of sleep might aggravate RLS symptoms.
• Soaking your legs in a warm tub and using a heating pad or cold compress on them. These might offer temporary comfort for your pain.
• Lowering your general tension. A mental health expert can assist you with this.
• Before bed, avoid drinking coffee and other caffeinated beverages.

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