I Can Sleep Better

Restless Leg Syndrome

Also known as RLS, is a sleep disorder that afflicts more than 15 percent of adults. It affects more women than men and the incidence of restless leg syndrome increases with age. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis and varicose veins,  also increase the risk of developing restless leg syndrome.

The combination of always feeling  tired and the symptoms themselves can cause a person with restless leg syndrome to alter their lifestyle. Long trips, movies, concerts and eating in restaurants are some of the activities they usually avoid. Attending a long meeting at work can become very painful and uncomfortable. People that have this sleep disorder often suffer from depression.

Many times the treatment for restless leg syndrome is aimed at controlling the  debilitating sensations that accompany this sleep disorder. Often iron supplements are prescribed because severe anemia has been linked to this disorder. Relaxation techniques, diet changes and the elimination of caffeine and alcohol help some sufferers of restless leg syndrome.

Restless leg syndrome cannot be diagnosed by one single test. Often standard neurological examinations show no signs of an abnormality.  In many cases, a doctor makes the diagnosis of restless leg syndrome based on the description of the symptoms. They also take into account family history, and the results of a routine medical examination and blood tests. This sleep disorder is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the lower legs, knees and occasionally the arms. Sometimes painful sensations accompany the urge to move.

People that suffer from this sleep disorder describe the feelings and sensations in different ways.  Many describe a tingling, itching or pulling sensation. Still others say it feels prickly or burns. Some feel as if they have worms crawling under their skin.

Exercise and relaxation techniques, whether used alone or together, can reduce stress and muscle tension. Many people that use these techniques to lessen the symptoms of a sleep disorder do these before going to bed. They not only ease physical tension but they calm the mind and prepare the body to sleep.

These techniques include mindful exercise, progressive muscle relaxation, breathing exercises and yoga. Another sleep disorder similar to restless leg syndrome is periodic limb movement disorder known as PLMD.  There are two main differences between restless leg syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder. Restless leg syndrome occurs when the sufferer is awake or asleep; periodic limb movement disorder only occurs when the sufferer is asleep.

Restless leg syndrome 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 can be effectively  controlled with medical treatment.

Related posts:

1. A Sleep Disorder That Affects the Legs – Restless Leg Syndrome
2. How to Tell If You Have a Sleep Disorder
3. Sleep Apnea Syndrome in the Stomatognathic System
4. How Too Tell If Your Sleep Problem Is Insomnia
5. Sleep Apnea-The Phantom of the Night: Overcome Sleep Apnea Syndrome and Win Your Hidden Struggle to Breathe, Sleep, and Live
6. Sleep Disorder Can Be Associated with Shift Work
7. What to Expect at a Sleep Disorder Overnight Sleep Center