Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a sensory disorder characterized by a nearly irresistible urge to move the legs. This uncomfortable feeling can be eased by moving the legs, but only for a while. Restless Legs Syndrome can make it very difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. Because of this, RLS sufferers tend to not get enough sleep and may likely experience excessive daytime sleepiness.
Types of Restless Legs Syndrome
There are two types of Restless Legs Syndrome:
- Primary RLS:Â Also called idiopathic RLS, Primary RLS usually becomes a lifelong condition once it starts. Over time, symptoms worsen and occur more frequently, especially in cases that began in childhood or early adult life. The cause of Primary RLS is unknown.
- Secondary RLS: This type of Restless Legs Syndrome is caused by another condition or disease, or from taking certain medications. Once the medication stops, or the disease or condition improves, the RLS symptoms usually go away.
What Causes RLS?
Restless Legs Syndrome affects as many as 12 million men and women in the U.S., and tends to occur more frequently in women. RLS can impact people of any age, race, or ethnic group. Although the number of cases rises with age, and the condition affects people of northern European decent more prevalently.
When identifying the causes of Restless Legs Syndrome, it is crucial to specify the type of RLS being discussed.
- Primary RLS: When the cause of Restless Legs Syndrome is unknown, it is referred to as Primary RLS. While what causes Primary RLS is unknown, there is evidence that the condition may have a genetic link, as it tends to run in families. If your parents had RLS, you are more likely to experience the condition yourself.
- Secondary RLS: Caused by a medication side effect, or other disease or condition, Secondary RLS can result from a variety of factors, such as:
- Pregnancy
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Nerve damage in the hands or feet
- Parkinson’s disease
- Diabetes
- Kidney failure
- Iron deficiency
Some medications that can trigger RLS include:
-
- Certain allergy and cold medicines
- Antidepressants
- Anti-nausea medicine
- Anti-seizure medicine
- Other substances that can worsen RLS symptoms include:
- Tobacco
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
What Are the Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome?
RLS gets its name from an almost uncontrollable urge to move the legs when lying down or sitting. This urge to move has been described as:
- Painful
- Aching
- Burning
- Tingling
- Itching
- Pulling
- Crawling
- Creeping
- The unpleasant feeling of RLS stems from uncomfortable sensations in the legs that can only be relieved by movement such as:
- Walking or pacing
- Rubbing the legs
- Tossing and turning
- Flexing or stretching
- Jiggling the legs
How Do You Treat Restless Leg Syndrome?
Depending on the details and severity of your RLS, a doctor or sleep specialist may recommend:
- Lifestyle changes: These are often recommended to ease the symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome. Some of these changes include avoiding things that can make symptoms worse, such as:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Caffeine
- Certain medications
- Good sleep hygiene: Your room should be a comfortable sanctuary. Keep it cool, quiet, and free of unnecessary light. Go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning (many with RLS find it better to go to sleep later in the evening and wake up later in the morning). Keep your room for sleeping only; that means no TV, no phone, no tablet, and no computer.
- Relaxing activities: These can include massaging the legs or arms, taking a hot or cool bath, stretching or walking, or using heat or ice packs.
- Medicine: For those whose clearly-defined RLS symptoms cannot be remedied with lifestyle changes and non-drug treatments, a doctor can prescribe medicine to treat the condition. There is no one-size-fits-all medicine that effectively treats RLS, so it may take several adjustments to the type and dosage to find the correct approach. Furthermore, some medications may work for a while, then lose efficacy. Always talk to a doctor before taking any medication, even over-the-counter options.
Contact Us Today
If you suffer from Restless Legs Syndrome, a doctor or sleep specialist can help determine the nature of your condition and recommend a treatment to help ease your symptoms and allow you to get a good night’s rest.